Party in Old Town to celebrate its Portas win

Buy photos » The Portas team in Leamington Old Town, celebrating their success with local politicians including Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White. 30.012.031.leam.nc1 www.buyphotos247.com

A DAY of celebrations will be held in Leamington Old Town on Saturday (August 11) to mark the success of its Portas Pilot bid.

Last month we reported how the area had been named one of just 15 projects - from more than 400 applications across the country – to scoop £100,000 from the government scheme, which is backed by retail guru Mary Portas and aimed at breathing life into struggling high streets.

Clemens Street will close between 7am and 7pm on Saturday in order to set up a stage, stalls and activities, with a fine line up of musicians, food and drink planned during the day.

The event has been organised by those behind the old town Portas scheme and will give visitors the chance to meet them and share their own visions on how the money should be spent.

The Portas Team have also arranged for a council work team to assist in a project on Sunday (August 12) to clear the area of fly tipping, graffiti, chewing gum and litter.

Information on both events, and how to take part, are available via the 'Portas Old Town' group on Facebook.

It is hoped the Portas cash will be matched by businesses in the area to help addresses a shop vacancy rate of over 20 per cent by developing a 'Heart Up' initiative encouraging independent retailers to occupy empty units.

In addition, new historic trails will be launched and striking art landmarks introduced as part of a push to create a 'cafe culture'.

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