THE Altrincham Forward initiative brings together the town's key stakeholders in a single partnership to drive forward change.

The core Altrincham Forward board, which meets quarterly, is supported by a growing number of associate members, who have a passion for Altrincham and specific expertise to contribute to the project.

All have an interest in Altrincham personally or professionally and often both. Local traders, residents, major North West businesses; Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce and Altrincham & Bowdon Civic Society are all represented alongside Trafford Council. Together they form a working think tank focused on revitalising the town centre.

ALTRINCHAM Forward is delighted to be working with the Sale and Altrincham Messenger to celebrate our town’s independent businesses.

We are committed to supporting existing independents and to encouraging new businesses. Independent businesses are crucial to the revitalisation of Altrincham and particularly to achieving Altrincham Forward’s vision of a town centre with a distinct identity.

This week we are launching Altrincham Originals – our own independents campaign to run throughout July.

Altrincham has some of the best high street names but it also offers a huge range of independent retailers – some well established and some very new – and it is them we are celebrating.

Alongside the shops are independent bars and restaurants too, providing superb food and a great atmosphere. Together they make living here a unique experience – they are Altrincham’s Originals. We must appreciate them and use them – because we won’t find them anywhere else.

So pick up one of our campaign leaflets and start looking out for the ‘We are an Altrincham Original’ stickers in the windows of independent businesses around the town

Follow @AltrinchamFWD on Twitter throughout the month and get information about events and offers. Most of all ‘Shop Altrincham’ and support your local traders.