A GROUP of business owners are hoping to revitalise Latchford and bring back the ‘neighbourhood love’ after becoming frustrated with the surroundings in the area.

So far, 13 traders have come together to form Latchford Village Traders in a bid to put the community back at the forefront of Latchford.

Although only recently formed, visions of the group are clear to see – with each member ready to engage in a long-term project.

“In the past four or five years, Latchford has changed and some people don’t know what is offer in the area,” said Ric Neill, owner of Cushion Kingdom.

“You can’t leave your doors open anymore and we want to bring that back, we want to put the neighbourhood love back into the area.”

The decision to form the group came after careful consideration but Stuart Kelly, director at Fit4Less, insists the move can be sure to benefit the community.

“We really want to raise the profile of the area and give something back,” he said.

“Hopefully we can also educate people, not just on business-related subjects, but for other aspects of life too.

“By meeting every few weeks, we will make the changes that are needed.”

Teresa and Nigel Thomas, owners of Picturesq, say the potential to improve is an exciting prospect. Teresa added: “We are stronger as a group and so by coming together we have more chance of making the changes. Each one of us can help in our own way.”

Traders will meet fortnightly.