Traders Unite to fight for a better Alvaston

12.00.00am GMT Thu 8th Dec 2005

A group of Alvaston shopkeepers have united to campaign for improvements to the Alvaston shopping area. The newly formed Alvaston Traders Unite! have been formed as a response to the lack of progress to make the Shopping Centre a better and safer place for local residents.

The traders are campaigning for Derby City Council to provide funding for the Alvaston District Centre scheme. To meet the cost of the refurbishment of the shopping area including better lighting, parking, pavements and CCTV.

The traders are now working together with local Liberal Democrat campaigners Gill Withers and Julie Ginns to fight for the improvements. They have formed a petition to press the Council for action. The campaigners say the positive improvements in the Allenton shopping area, have made Alvaston shopping area look even more shabby in comparison.

Members of Alvaston Traders Unite! are calling for improvements. Russell Knightly of Alvaston Cards said, "Alvaston's turn for improvements is well overdue!" Nick Neocleous of Steve's Fish Bar says "We have been here since 1970 and have seen a steady decline in Alvaston. We want action now."

Local campaigner, Julie Ginns, says, "When the Lib Dems were running the Council they had Alvaston shopping area next on the list for improvements. We hope that Labour, who are now running the council, will now vote for the money to improve Alvaston."

The City Council budget for next year is due to be decided in March 2006.

For a copy of the petition call Julie Ginns on 01332 736697