A NEW mayor is hoping that shops and businesses can take advantage of his town's growing importance as a visitor attraction.The benefits of visiting Woodbridge are becoming more widely known through a strong marketing policy adopted in recent years.

A NEW mayor is hoping that shops and businesses can take advantage of his town's growing importance as a visitor attraction.

The benefits of visiting Woodbridge are becoming more widely known through a strong marketing policy adopted in recent years.

Les Binns, 77, who has become mayor for the second time, said: ''Woodbridge is much more of a tourist town than it used to be although it is a shame that the shops are changing and a big issue will be the state of the Thoroughfare generally.

''We have benefited from the new community police team. It has made a big difference with a bigger police presence on the street and a reduction in crime.''

Cllr Binns was mayor in 2001 and he was responsible for reviving the Civic Service and then being the first mayor in the town to wear a set of robes.

This year he will be raising money for Cancer Research and the Soldiers, Sailors Airmen and Families Association.