Businesses set to change West End fortunes for the better (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Businesses set to change West End fortunes for the better

7:20am Thursday 12th January 2012 in News

PASSIONATE business owners have united to change the area where they trade for the better.

Not to be confused with the bustling area of London, Chelmsford has its own West End and the newly reformed West End Businesses Association (WEBA) wants to breathe new life into the area to make it more attractive to new traders and shoppers.

In the past individual business owners have complained about issues including signage and parking but now they have decided more can be achieved as a collective.

Kathy Bloomfield, of Axis Studio, is one of the new members.

She said WEBA hopes to improve and promote the area, introduce new road signage, clean up paths and streets, improve parking and it also hopes to get park and ride buses to stop in the area.

“Everywhere’s struggling for business” she said.

“But the thing is we wanted to be more positive instead of negative. Instead of moaning we’ve said ‘let’s do something about it’.

“It’s hard for every business but you’ve just got to work hard at it and keep going.”

The group launched its new website on Tuesday, January 10 which Kathy hopes will encourage other businesses to move to the West End and highlight what is already there.

Michael Wray, Chelmsford Council’s town centre manager, has already been working closely with the group and colleagues from Essex County Council to bring about some of the changes.

He said: “We are back supporting them 100 per cent.

“We’re hoping to see good benefits of joined up thinking and want to drive more footfall through the area.

“Signage will help to make passers by and local people more aware of what’s there - big differences will be made through small changes.”

Businesses that have already signed up to the association include, Pets Etcetera, James Dace and Sons, Barista, Ollie Ford & Co, izatt graphics, Divine Gowns, Axis Studio, Broomfield Opticians, The Ship, Co-Op, Birds Bridal, Barda, Empire Salon and Rainsford Newsagents.

The website is expected to go live within the next two weeks and more information can be found at www.westendchelmsford.co.uk