LOCAL businesses are backing Malvern Town Council in its efforts to improve the town centre.

The idea of creating a town forum has won 100 per cent backing from businesses who took part in a survey organised by the Council.

Questionnaires were distributed to local shops and businesses, which were invited to a meeting about the future of the town held in April. And the results of the survey have now been issued.

Ninety-six per cent say they support the Council's proposals for town management, and 93 per cent say they would take part in Town Council-organised events.

Seventy-six per cent said they would collaborate in organising such events and 72 per cent want to help through occasional financial support.

Ninety per cent support the idea of late night Christmas shopping, 86 per cent Malvern in Bloom and 72 per cent a summer music programme.

Organising a programme of events is one of the planks of the "agenda for future discussion" which has been published by the Town Council, setting out the areas of concern.

These also include improving town signage, better, cheaper car parking and more effective parking enforcement.

The Council is also appointing a new town projects officer, Selina Saveker, who will take up her post in September.

Among her priorities will be establishing working relationships with local businesses throughout the town, and starting arrangements or Christmas events.

Town mayor, David Williams, said: "I am really enthusiastic about this level of interest.

"It was never the Town Council's intention to tell people what to do, but to enable everyone to join in, contribute and do their own thing.

"I am going round visiting local businesses and getting a very positive response. We have appointed the town projects manager and we are getting off to a good start," he added.

The town's efforts follow a decision by Malvern Hills District Council in January to cancel the Town Manager's position.