A GROUP fighting to revitalise Latchford is hoping to increase parking space in the area as they begin their first full year in action.

Latchford Village Traders, made up of 13 business owners, believes the next 12 months can be pivotal in shaping, and putting the community back at the heart of, Latchford.

One issue high on the agenda for future meetings is the concern of parking, in particular allowing short-term stays near shops.

"The parking around the shops is something we want to improve," said Teresa Thomas, owner of Picturesq and one of the village traders.

"There are some plans in place for the year ahead on that topic - we all just want to make it so that people can park easily when they need to come into the shops.

"It is quite a big issue and hopefully we can help make changes to allow more parking, with the support of the councillors in Latchford."

Having already received positive feedback from residents in the area, despite only forming in October, Teresa is hopeful the year ahead will be one to remember.

"We all want to make it better and easier for the community," she added.

"The only way that we can make changes and actually do that is to work together which is what we do.

"As a group we are stronger, so in turn we have more chance of making the changes, and as mentioned before, we can all help in our own way."

Traders meet every fortnight.