POSSIBLY the most important meeting in recent times for businesses and those providing a service based in Saffron Walden is being held later this month.

The meeting hosted by the town and district councils will include hearing about how other towns are organising themselves to improve the experiences people have and how they are attracting more people into the town centre.

Simon Jackson, Uttlesford District Council’s economic development officer, said: “Hundreds of town and city centres across the UK have organised themselves to work collectively to fight back against the ongoing recession, competition from neighbouring town and city centres, out of town shopping and on line shopping.

“Saffron Walden is not immune from these pressures and the objective of the meeting is to ascertain if people want to work together and develop a plan of action for the town centre.”

The district council’s cabinet member for Community Partnerships and Engagement, Cllr Howard Rolfe added: “Footfall and the shopping experience are important ingredients in maintaining vibrant commercial communities. Sharing these ideas and working collaboratively is good business practice.”

Saffron Walden Town Council clerk Simon Lloyd said: “Saffron Walden is a wonderful town with lots to offer the shopper and visitor including the market and great events such as the firework display. We feel the time is right to encourage all those with an interest in the town centre to work together to provide an even better experience and encourage more people to come to the town.”

The meeting is on January 23, from 6-8pm in Assembly Rooms at the Town Hall. It is open to anyone who has a business or provides a service based in the town centre. No booking is required. For information, contact Simon Jackson at sjackson@uttlesford.gov.uk