BENGEWORTH Traders Association is being kick-started now the area in Evesham is looking up.

The organisation of traders has been in the doldrums ever since properties in lower Port Street were devastated by floods several years ago.

Now new businesses have moved into the street occupying empty shops and generating new enthusiasm.

Chairman of the traders Mike Taylor, of the printing firm Create, said: "Susan Earnshaw from The Glassroom called a meeting of interested traders with a view to putting on forthcoming events.

"The area is reviving dramatically and now is the time to harness this new enthusiasm.

"I will be calling an Extraordinary General Meeting of the present Bengeworth Traders committee members in June with a view to co-opting more members and electing new officers."

Mrs Earnshaw said: "We want to make Port Street more vibrant, with the possibility of bringing back the street market. About 15 traders attended the meeting on Wednesday, May 22, which was very encouraging and worthwhile."

Wychavon Town Centre officer Lew Hammond discussed ongoing projects including grants for improvement to frontages, new car park signs, improvements on Waterside and an Asian Festival at Workman gardens on June 22 and 23. The former Kwik Save building is set to be occupied by Superpound Discounts in the next few months, and the Regal Cinema has been purchased.

With both buildings occupied and regenerated the whole street should take on a more prosperous air.

In answer to a question from Mary Pinder, Mr Hammond agreed to look into the possibility of signs for St Peter's church.