FEARS that Urmston could turn into a ghost town foll-owing the open-ing of The Trafford Cen-tre has not det-erred one enterprising bus-iness-man.

Bernard Murray has expanded his Quality Fresh Foods store and moved to Urmston precinct, demon-strating that he still has faith in the area.

Quality Fresh Foods is one of a number of new businesses that have moved into the town and is thriving along side other well-established traders.

Sylvia Attenborough, pro-prietor of the long-established Attenborough Shoes and vice chairman of the Urmston Part-nership, said: "The Urm-ston Partnership recognises that there is a need to improve the quality and mix of the shops on offer and that this can be achieved by raising the perception of Urmston in the minds of the general public, retailers and developers.

"The Partnership hopes that their efforts, the environ-mental improvement works and the adoption of a strong corporate image will counter some of the negative comment which is so damaging to our efforts to attract the kind of shops local people want and will use.

"Although there are a num-ber of discount stores that have opened in Urmston, there is also a variety of specialist shops.

"There is a wide choice offered by Urmston market and the many other retailers in the area at competitive prices. Local people need to support the shops on their doorstep in order for them to survive."

Linda Fenney, a resident member of the Partnership, said: "It is important to build on Urmston's strengths such as the wonderful community spirit that exists amongst traders, residents and community groups alike and the desire to work together to improve things which benefit the whole town.

"By working in partnership, problems can be tackled and facilities improved to ensure that Urmston remains a welcoming, enjoyable place for everyone and a town to be proud of."

Free copies of Urmston's Shoppers Guide which lists the shop-ping and facilities on offer, are avai-lable from Urm-ston Library and various shops throughout the town.