Trowbridge bid to become a Portas Pilot Town

The Trowbridge County Town Initiative (The Initiative) working with its partners has formed a "Town Team" to make a bid to the Department of Communities and Local Government to become a "Potas Pilot". Following the independent Portas Review of the future of our High Streets the Government has invited struggling towns and cities across England to become one of twelve towns to share £1,000,000 to help turn around their "unloved and unused" high streets. The Initiative, formed some 18 months ago, has been working to promote Trowbridge town centre retailers and businesses as the number of empty shops has continued to rise. The "Town Team" has been put together to front the bid with the Initiative as the "pilot" lead. The "Town Team" comprises: - The Trowbridge County Town Initiative The Trowbridge and District Chamber of Commerce Trowbridge Town Council Wiltshire Council & the Trowbridge Area Board Transforming Trowbridge Trowbridge Community Area Future Partnership The Shires Shopping Centre Castle Place Shopping Centre and Market Local Retailers Local Pubs and Restaurants Local landlords Community Groups The "Team" has to complete its bid and video by 30th March 2012 so time is of the essence. Key themes likely to be included in the bid include: - Regeneration of the Town Centre. Running more Street Markets and Activities to attract more visitors to the Town Centre. Better Road signage to help visitors access the Town Centre. More publicity of the retail offer and its location within the Town Centre. Attracting more independent retailers into empty shops to extend the retail offer. The appointment of a Town Centre Manager. Working with local groups to be represented on the High Street. Please sign this petition to support the bid in order to demonstrate community, business, landlord, local Authority and Unitary Authority backing!