SPALDING traders can share their dreams – and get advice from other towns across the country – in a mass day of tweeting today.
Retweet For Towns Day is inviting communities to take part in a live debate on Twitter. Its aim is to share ideas and encourage people to get involved in making their town centres thrive.
The man behind the national campaign is former Lincolnshire town manager Mark Barnes, who says he is doing it “just for the love of it” because he is passionate about town centres.
President of Spalding and District Area Chamber of Commerce Jason Rooke said: “I think this is a great idea and I hope the town will get involved and tweet some positive ideas.
“We don’t want to just hear people moaning about empty shops but what they would like to see in the town. And, hopefully, we’ll get some good ideas back.”
The Retweet For Towns Day campaign has already gathered support from Association of Town Centre Management and TV weather forecaster Sian Lloyd.
Deeply saddened by the situation facing town centres, Sian has already been tweeting for the cause and is urging others to join in too.
Sian said: “Residents can make a real difference by supporting those who are working to preserve our high streets and this campaign offers everyone a simple way to comment and debate about their town centres.”
Mark said Spalding groups and businesses can tweet their ideas and ask questions to other towns about what has worked for them.
He said: “Twitter is the perfect place to do this because people like to help others out without it taking up too much of their time.”
ATCM chief executive Martin Blackwell is very enthusiastic to be involved.
He said: “This is a brilliant idea and allows the ordinary person the opportunity to show support for their town centre. They are not dead yet!”
Mark said: “I encourage you all to start sharing good news stories that other areas can introduce into their towns. I am also looking for debate about the true picture in the high streets and to tell the true story around town centre vibrancy.”
For more information visit www.rt4towns.wordpress.com and to join in follow @loyalhelp.