Campaigners aim to make Clay Cross shine again

More than 40 traders and business bosses have joined forces to encourage people to shop local and support fundraising events to brighten up the town.

Clay Cross Town Centre Group, which is spearheading the initiative, is hoping to grow its membership by inviting community organisations to listen to its aims and achievements as well as offering suggestions.

The group will share its vision at a drop-in afternoon at Clay Cross Social Centre on Thursday, April 21, between 3pm and 6pm.

Martin Roberts, who is heading promotions, said: “The idea is to give the people the opportunity to tell us what they like and don’t like about the group. I’ve had a lot of contact with charities and churches and we would like them all to get involved. “We want to make the group bigger and better which will benefit the town.”

Since its inception 11 years ago, the group has initiated a Tidy Up campaign involving litter-picking and cleaner shop windows, an annual late-night Christmas shopping event and produced a newsletter featuring a members directory and advertisements.

North East Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel said: “The Clay Cross Town Centre Group has done a fantastic job of bringing together local businesses who have worked together to improve the centre of Clay Cross.

“It is great news that community groups are now going to get involved as well and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”