Portas town to reveal plans for growth

TOWN centre chiefs in Braintree are set to showcase a series of new initiatives to reinvigorate the area following its success in the Portas Pilot project.

Braintree is the only town in Essex to have secured thousands of pounds in Government funding thanks to the successful bid for Portas Pilot cash – designed to boost Britain’s struggling town centres.

Now the district council has announced it will unveil a number of initiatives in a special event on Friday, September 7.

The event, which takes place from 10am to 2pm in the arches at Market Street, will include:

n A range of start-up market stalls from local entrepreneurs keen to see their retail business grow – this includes vintage clothing; homemade chocolate and cakes; craft and bunting; jewellery; family portrait sketching.

n The launch of the Indi card – a free loyalty card scheme for everyone, including offers and incentives to encourage shoppers to support the town’s independent retailers and businesses.

n Tea with the leader – a 10-minute chat over a free tea or coffee with council leader Graham Butland and councillor Chris Siddall to share your thoughts on the town.

Cllr Siddall, cabinet member for prosperity and growth, said: “As the only town in Essex to have received this funding, we know we’ve got to seize every opportunity it offers – and it looks like we are already off to an excellent start. Let’s hope everyone comes along to support the occasion.”