Ashton Town Team have written to their local MP to ask for additional support.

They’ve sent a letter to Angela Rayner MP asking for funds to help them continue their work.

The group is made up of local independent businesses who work together to try and attract more shoppers to Ashton town centre.

They have had donations in the past from Red Productions, who have been spotted filming in the town over the past few motnhs, and local solicitors Bromleys, who have sponsored the upcoming Business Awards.

At their meeting on Monday (7 June) they appealed for support from the deputy leader of the Labour Party and the town councillors.

Writing to the MP, they said: “I am writing on behalf of Ashton Town Team - the organisation that supports small businesses in Ashton town centre. We are all volunteers who donate our time to make Ashton town centre a great environment to visit and shop. 

“I'm sure you can appreciate the impact the pandemic has had on our town centre over the past 15 months and the ongoing issues that our businesses face. Although the financial support from government has helped businesses to a degree the Town Team itself has received no funding to support the work we do in creating awareness for these small retailers.

“We generate activities through social media, events within the town centre, local business awards and work closely with the council to try and create a conducive trading environment for Ashton town centre. 

“In recovering from the pandemic we would hope to host further events to attract shoppers and support businesses, this would include dedicated events for Christmas and Small Business Saturday.

“We have been fortunate to have donations in the past from Red Productions who have filmed within the town centre and our business awards sponsored by Bromleys.

“At our June Town Team meeting we have appealed for support from our local councillors to make a donation from ward funds and we now ask - as the town centre MP - if you can make a generous contribution to support the important work of Ashton Town Team with our small businesses facing exceptional challenges in the months ahead.

“Your office has been represented at meetings in the past so we are aware that you value the contribution the Town Team makes.

“Thank you in anticipation of your support.”

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