THE growing number of empty shops and business premises in Wellington is being investigated by a working group of town councillors who have ten months to come up with ideas to help improve the town centre.

They hope to put forward proposals by December, to allow the council time to budget for any possible new initiatives to start in the next financial year.

Local retailers and business people are being asked if they would like to join the discussions and contribute their expertise.

The working group was agreed at a meeting on Monday when it was proposed by the council’s two newest members, councillors Ben Shepherd and Mark Lithgow.

They were given a broad remit to consider the challenges faced by retailers and other traders in the town.

Cllr Shepherd said: “I am pleased my colleagues on the council have given their support to the initiative and I look forward to working with local businesses to try to come up with viable ideas for helping to restore a thriving town centre retail environment in Wellington.

“We will be looking for anything the council might be able to do to support our retailers and work towards filling the numerous empty commercial buildings in the town.”

Cllr Lithgow said: “There could be a range of measures which may help improve the health of Wellington’s shops offer and we will keep an open mind regarding potential solutions.

“However, we are particularly interested in seeing how the council can support new retailers, perhaps by taking leases on empty shops to help start-ups, or maybe encouraging the creation of pop-up shops or galleries,

for instance.”

Anyone with business experience who would like to be considered for the working group can email councillors Shepherd and Lithgow at benshepherd@wellingtontown

council.co.uk and [email protected].