STUGGLING shop owners are hoping to get help from an organisation campaigning for economic development in and around Taunton.

Retailers are being asked to share their stories of how hard it is out there at a meeting set up by TauntonForward at the Castle Hotel, on Thursday, September 17, at 6.30pm.

Director Pam Knight said: “Over the last few months, we’ve been hearing from many Taunton-based retailers who are seriously struggling, so we’re looking at how TauntonForward can help the retail sector.

“The key themes emerging are unsurprisingly all connected to footfall and parking - Taunton simply doesn’t feel as busy as it used to be and turnovers are reflecting that.

“Challenges in reversing changes that have happened over many years and through a difficult and extended recession are great, but the important thing is, ‘What can we do to influence and improve things now?’ “We are told that Firepool and Coal Orchard developments will improve the prospects for the town in the long run, but the problems these businesses are facing are very much in the here and now.”

To attend, contact info@tauntonforward.com or register at www.tauntonforward.co.uk/events