A MAJOR initiative aimed at revitalising Altrincham is up and running.

Altrincham Business Improvement district (BID) went 'live' last Friday, which is based at offices on The Downs in the town centre.

The project - involving the creation of a BID Company to drive improvement in Altrincham town centre - now has an interim BID board, supported by two advisory groups, which will develop projects within the specific areas of marketing and events, business and finance.

Once projects for the first year have been agreed, small working groups will be put in place to bring them to life.

The process has reached this stage following 18 months of consultation, a five-week ballot, a strong yes vote from businesses to establish the BID and several months of intense behind the scenes activity.

Martin Duff, the chairman of the Interim Altrincham BID Board, said: "Everyone involved in Altrincham BID believes that it represents a great opportunity for our town centre, and the challenge over the last few months has been to put in place the necessary structures and procedures so that the BID can function as efficiently as possible, and make the best use of your BID levy.

"Following some useful initial conversations with the team from Heart of Manchester BID, we decided to employ them on a consultancy basis to guide us through the setting-up phase.

"So it all starts here! Altrincham BID is up and running, and ready to make a big difference to our town and benefit your business over the next five years."