A CAMPAIGN to ‘Shop small this Christmas and support local businesses’ was launched this week by the newly-formed Watchet Town Centre Group as part of a fight-back against the effects of the closure of the B1391 Blue Anchor road, which has had a ‘potentially catastrophic’ effect on some businesses in the town.

Tracey Clark, a founder member of the group, said: “We aim to be a new positive proactive and enthusiastic organisation for small businesses within the town and motivate and support each other with regular meetings, events and fund-raising.”

The group’s first major project - a Christmas campaign to support small business in Watchet - has been funded by a £500 donation from a Watchet resident which has paid for two large advertising banners, hand-drawn window art, and advertising window decals.

Referring to the Blue Anchor road closure, a group spokesperson said: “Businesses have obviously been affected by this, for some a potentially catastrophic situation.

“However, in an attempt to fight back, an enterprising group has been established that intends to promote the very heart of the town as an attraction in itself.

“The Watchet Town Centre Group intend, as they develop, to create exciting events through the year involving as many as possible of the traders and professionals centred on the very heart of Watchet.”

Asked what effect the new group would have on the town’s long-established chamber of trade, WACET chairman John Richards said: “It is a group which is planning to put on lots of events to get people into local shops and we wish them well.

“Most of the people involved are still WACET members and we will support them as much as we can.

“They will be concentrating on the shops while WACET is focussed on all the businesses in the area.”

More information about the new group is available by emailing [email protected]