Enjoy all the tastes that Tenbury has to offer (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Enjoy all the tastes that Tenbury has to offer

8:00am Thursday 21st February 2013 in News By Adrian Kibbler

USE it or lose it – that’s the message from Tenbury’s man in charge of economic development.

Councillor Phil Grove, who sits on Malvern District Council was speaking on the eve of the town’s major retail promotion, Taste of Tenbury, which springs into action once again on Saturday.

At the same time, the government is setting up its Future High Streets Forum to help boost retail in struggling market towns.

This is the second of three “Taste of Tenbury – ‘shop local’ events and involves many of the traders in town, who are gearing up to offer promotions and free food tasting between 10am and 2pm.

And there’ll be entertainment for visitors, including the Moon Carrot Punch and Judy show, in the Regal Theatre in Teme Street and a stilt-walking chef will join other on-street performers.

The challenge in Tenbury Wells is mirrored in many small towns nationwide and quite apart from the threat offered by internet shopping, retailers worry that a focus on larger towns and big businesses isn’t helping their needs at a local level.

“Obviously there are benefits to shopping on the internet ,” said Coun Grove.

“But you don’t get personal service, product knowledge or a warm welcome.

“The survival of small towns and independent retailers needs the sustained support of local customers.”

“Use It, Or Lose It – is a term being bandied around a lot at the moment, but every small business should be as proactive as they can be.

“I would encourage anyone to consider the benefits of taking advice, joining local networking groups and development partnerships.”