SHOPS, businesses, and councils are spearheading a new group to sharpen up Witney's image.

They are launching a 'Stay Longer in Witney' campaign to promote the town centre and give a boost in tough economic times.

It is also preparing itself for the extra pulling power the new Marriotts Close development - with an array of new shops, including Marks & Spencer and Debenhams and a multi-screen cinema - will bring when it opens next year.

The new group, called Witney Town Centre Forum (WTCF), brings together the Chamber of Trade, recently-formed Witney Independent Traders' Association, Woolgate Centre, Abingdon and Witney College, Henry Box School, and Stagecoach bus company.

Both Witney Town Council and West Oxfordshire District Council are also on board.

Town mayor, Alvin Adams, said this week: "Witney has a wonderful town centre, with an exciting mix of high street brands and unique independent retailers. We also want to encourage people to visit some of our open spaces, including The Leys and Church Green, as well visiting some of the attractions, like Cogges Manor Farm and town museum."

The campaign starts with a new leaflet promoting shopping, food and drink, and sport and leisure in the town.

A further five-point campaign has been drawn up including . . . * Improving the street scene with refurbished benches and notice boards. *Litter awareness campaign. * New website with an interactive map of the town. * New signs to help visitors around. * Revamping car parking.

No details about parking have yet been worked up, but the emphasis is to retain one of the town's major attractions - free parking - and the allocation of short- and long-stay spaces.

Ian Nicholson, of the Oxfordshire Town Chambers Network, is the chairman of WTCF. He said: "The great thing about this group is that it brings the key players around the table every month, so they they're all up-to-speed on developments.

"It shows how much more can be achieved by sharing ideas, pooling resources, and working together." The 'Stay Longer in Witney' campaign will be officially launched on July 25 by Witney MP and Conservative Party leader, David Cameron.

Marriotts Close, which due to open in autumn 2009, is seen as a major development to tempt more shoppers into Witney.

The existing Woolgate Centre is also to open new shops.

The town is also expanding, with more houses being built at Madley Park and the next significant estate, probably at North Curbridge.

District councillor Warwick Robinson said: "It is a very exciting time for Witney with the development of a cinema, new retail outlets and restaurants in Marriotts Close, and the redevelopment of Witney and Abingdon College.

"Witney is competing with other market towns in the area, and we need to ensure we are able to offer an attractive mix of leisure and retail facilities in a pleasant environment."

Source: Witney Gazette