TRADERS and businesses in Abergavenny have been given a chance to put their money where their mouth is over the future prosperity of the town .

More than 400 outlets are being urged to sign up to an ambitious scheme which could transform the fortunes of the town to the tune of £1 million over the next five years.

Waitrose, the town's biggest retail hitter, has already signed up to the deal - the Business Improvement District (BID)plan.

Branch manager Timothy Wingrove said: "We are proud to be part of the Abergavenny community and excited to have signed up to the Business Improvement District initiative, encouraging businesses in the town to work together and make Abergavenny an even more attractive destination."

The BID enterprise needs just 51 per cent of the town's commercial clout to back the self-financing venture.

If the subscription rate reaches the target figure all operators in favour of the move will pay a levy based on the rateable value of their businesses.

The larger the business, the more they have to pay. But an average-sized business is expected to hand over between £3-4 a week - the price of a pint.

Recession blues

The man leading the call for Abergavenny to finally shake off the recession blues and hit the path to a brighter future is John Bannon, who has been in the local retail business for the last 37 years.

He said this week, "The town is lacking investment. It has needed a bit of TLC for the last ten years.

"It's tired and jaded - a bit frayed at the edges. This bid will give us a collective voice which is much desired. Everybody will work together for the common good of all the town which needs a kiss of life."

He felt positive influences like the Chamber of Trade and the Abergavenny Business Club had floundered somewhat because they had tended to rely on "voluntary efforts from a few."

This new initiative would be a joint effort which would see "tangible benefits" for all.

"It's a real opportunity, and at little cost, to get things moving so we can compete with other towns in South East Wales," he enthused.

He added, "All I can do is implore my fellow traders to vote YES."

Ballot papers will have been circulated by June 16 with the deadline for voting expiring on July 14.

Open meeting

Anyone interested in the project can attend a special open evening at the town's Angel Hotel on June 6 to discuss the merits, or otherwise, of what is being promoted.

The session starts at 6pm and lasts until 7.30pm. All are welcome.

John Bannon said, "I care passionately about this town. I want other people to be proud of Abergavenny - both traders and residents.

"It's a huge opportunity to see something positive and good happening. It will bring a vibrancy to the town which has been lacking.

"You have to put yourself out to be part of it. All that is needed is cash. We can appoint a professional to be a town centre manager who can run things. The dividends will be high."