BUSINESS owners from the West End of Chelmsford have formed a new group to promote their part of town.

The West End Business Association was launched this week and will work to improve everything from parking to street signs.

The group, which hopes to give its community a voice and will meet once a month, already has grand plans.

"I think it's very important that we've formed this association and am delighted to be part of it," said chairman Richard Hickman, who owns music warehouse James Dace and Son on Broomfield Road.

"My business has been in Chelmsford for around 159 years and by forming the group we really want to raise the awareness of what the West End has to offer.

"It's full of independent and family run businesses that need to be preserved and by coming together as a community we can do that.

"A lot of people don't know that some of the businesses are where they are or even that the West End exists so we'll be working to get better sign posting to our part of town."

Kathy Bloomfield, who has owned her salon Axis Hair for nine years, added: "It's amazing how many people don't know that this part of town has so much to offer.

"We really want to drive more people to the area and hope by forming the association we'll be able to do this. We love this part of town and really want to show it off."

With pet shop owners, restaurateurs and opticians already on board, the association is also hoping Chelmsford Borough Council will offer its support.

"There's problems with the roads along this part of town and parking, as single voices the council doesn't take much notice but now there's so many more of us they're starting to listen which is great," continued 43-year-old Mrs Bloomfield.

Broomfield Opticians owner Anish Chauhan, 48, said: "There used to be a West End Association but it disbanded about ten-years-ago but we really thought it was essential to start one up again,"

With a website due to be launched in the coming months, the association is keen to include as many members of their community.

Mr Hickman, 64, added: "We hope all the businesses in the area will get involved and it's really about coming together as a community to help each other."

For more information about the West End Business Association contact Kathy Bloomfield on 07590 902 656.