A NEW drive to spearhead the revitalisation of Altrincham has been launched.

Senior business leaders, Altrincham community groups and Trafford Council have come together to create a group tasked with putting the heart back into the town centre.

Altrincham Forward officially launched at the Taste of Trafford event on Sunday September 25.

The hope is that the group will generate ideas to form a plan that will make change happen and restore Altrincham’s status as one of the country’s prime towns for living, shopping, working and leisure.

Altrincham Forward is led by a group of 16 individuals, who include representatives from Trafford Council, Altrincham and Sale Chamber of Commerce, Altrincham Traders and Residents Association, the Altrincham Town Centre Partnership, Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society, ASK Developments, GM Business Leadership Council, Tushingham Moore, Bruntwood, Merepark, Regeneris and Erimax.

Residents are also invited to play their part by suggesting ideas and can get in touch via altrinchamforward@trafford.gov.uk or altrinchamforward.co.uk.

Leader of Trafford Council Cllr Matthew Colledge, who is chairman of Altrincham Forward, said:” We are determined to restore Altrincham’s fortunes, to put the heart back in to the centre and bring vitality to our town.

“The creation of Altrincham Forward allows us to take the next steps towards delivering a vision for Altrincham that will see the town prosper.

“The coming together of the council, community and businesses under the Altrincham Forward banner makes for a powerful agent for change and we are determined to see that change through."

Altrincham Forward has been meeting over the past few months to make plans for short, medium and long-term improvements.

John Smith, president of Altrincham Town Centre Partnership, said: “We are very happy to work with others to make sure that Altrincham regains its position as the first choice destination for business, shopping, socialising and leisure activities.”