Retailers Welcome Packs, City Centre Health Checks and exhibiting at promotional shows are just some of the activities which have helped strengthen the heart of Ely this year.

At a recent meeting of the Ely City Forum, businesses, traders, councillors and officers from local Councils discussed the progress which has been made over the six months.

While noting the success of the recent work, the group looked at future ways of developing the city centre further. This included potentially creating a brand for shopping in Ely, developing a shopping and entertainment guide as well as creating city wide promotions.

These ideas will be progressed over the next couple of months ahead of the next Forum meeting in the New Year.

Councillor Lis Every, Chairman of the Ely City Forum, said: "Over the last few months, everyone involved in promoting Ely City Centre has worked incredibly hard to make a difference. It has been wonderful to see how by talking, listening and trusting each other, we have developed some amazing ideas such as the Welcome Pack and Independent Day campaigns – each has helped new and existing businesses.

"The success we have experienced is just the beginning. We are determined not to sit on our laurels and think we are doing ok – Ely is too special a city for that. This is why we are exploring ways of promoting Ely to the region and the country highlighting the great offers we have – from free car parking to wonderful independent shops. The next few months will be really busy but we are all excited about what the future holds."

For more information on the Town Team please call 01353 665555 or visit: www.eastcambs.gov.uk.