ACT now before it's too late. That's the stark message to local businesses by the newly formed Radcliffe Traders' Association.

It is hoped that re-forming the association will help inject new life and vitality to the town centre and help it compete against heavy competition from other areas and Sunday trading.

Chairman of Radcliffe Town Centre sub-group, Susan Stockall, warned: "If we do nothing or leave matters to a minority of traders to sort out, we could very well be looking, in one year's time, of businesses closing or a massive decline in trade to the point where it could not be financially feasible to trade any more. "

Mrs Stockall, owner of Zip Clothing on Deansgate, said: "Working together as a group and looking at this long-term means we are securing our future survival as businesses in Radcliffe."

Projects already suggested for the year ahead include a music festival, and a "Jazz in The Piazza" event to coincide with Radcliffe Carnival in June.

The association will meet every six weeks to discuss issues, concerns, problems and ideas for future projects. The next meeting will be on March 6 at 6pm in Radcliffe Civic Suite. For further information contact Mrs Stockall on 723 4128 or 07729 413287.