Traders have relaunched Oakengate’s Chamber of Commerce after more than four years, in a bid to breathe new life into the town.
More than 40 people from across the town have joined together to form the chamber, and they met for the first time in years at an Annual General Meeting last week.
The move has been supported by Telford MP David Wright who recently launched a petition against rent increase in the town.
Chamber members have already outlined possible plans for the area, including revamping shop fronts as well as being involved with the Christmas lights switch on later this year.
Christine Orford, from Christine Florists, on Market Street, has been announced as the fledgling group’s new chairman.
John Ellis, from The Crown Inn on Market Street, will be the group’s vice chairman.
He said: “There hasn’t been a meeting for four or five years.
“The chamber has not met or done a lot so we have made a stronger chamber and there is a lot of people who want to be involved.
“We had an AGM last week and we have around 40 people with a positive interest.
“We are delighted and there are a lot of things people want to do.
“We want to look at the regeneration partnership, on improving shop fronts and making shops more accessible.
“We are looking to get involved with other events in the town and events run by the town council.”
Mr Ellis said new chamber members were also keen to support the town’s night trade.
He added: “Oakengates is traditionally known for night life so we are going to look at ways to support day and night time trade in Oakengates.
“It is very encouraging. A lot of businesses in the town want to see a stronger chamber playing an active part in the life of the town and the regeneration of Oakengates.”
David Wright MP said he fully supported the move saying it could reinvigorate Oakengates, as well as providing traders with an opportunity to voice their opinions.
He said: “I am really pleased the Chamber of Commerce is going to reform and I will give them every support I can to ensure Oakengates not only survives, but prospers.
“Since the Telford Journal ran the story about the threat to businesses in Oakengates I have been inundated with comments of support for my petition from residents and business owners. Over 200 people have so far signed the petition.”