TOP of The Town business owners have agreed the format of a new traders association which hopes to improve the vibrancy and community spirit of Basingstoke’s historic heart.

Around 20 Top of The Town business owners met at The Tea Bar to discuss the best way forward in helping Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in its work to revive the area.

During the year, emphasis has been put on the Top of The Town area with improvement work including new paving in Market Square, a Top of The Town Action Plan, and retail training and support for independent shops and businesses.

And one idea that was put forward at the meeting of the new association was to hold a monthly craft and artisan market in Market Square following the success of the Vintage and Craft Market, which attracted thousands of visitors in July.

At the meeting, Alan Stone, owner of The Squirrel Centre, in New Street, was elected as chairman of the new Top of The Town traders association.

Alan, pictured, said: “The main aims of the association are to create a better shopping environment in the Top of The Town area, which will help attract new businesses.

“We’ll also be hoping to tackle local environmental issues, and facilitate better communications between all stakeholders, and any funds raised by activities will be ploughed back into the Top of The Town area, by way of events or entertainments.”

He added: “We’ve got a great bunch of business people in the Top of The Town area, many of whom have lived in the town all their lives. They are all passionate about improving the Top of The Town area to benefit the whole community.”

A craft market is currently being planned for mid November and a Christmas event, which is being organised in partnership with Destination Basingstoke, will be held on December 5 and 6.