WOODBRIDGE has taken a big step towards getting its own town co-ordinator in a bid to establish itself as a centre for tourism and trade. The new position would involve promoting the town, setting up events and establishing links between the local community and businesses.

WOODBRIDGE has taken a big step towards getting its own town co-ordinator in a bid to establish itself as a centre for tourism and trade.

The new position would involve promoting the town, setting up events and establishing links between the local community and businesses.

The Woodbridge and Melton Market Towns Initiative partnership group has already given the idea their backing after carrying out a feasibility study. They have pledged to give up to £5,000 to the project.

Nigel Barrett, a councillor who is from the MTI partnership, has also promised £5,000 for the project from his locality budget.

He said: "I think that someone acting in a town co-ordinator role would be a real boost for Woodbridge. I'm impressed by the support from local businesses and community groups, but they need to be ready to contribute wholeheartedly to this initiative and make it sustainable."

The Suffolk Coastal Business Forum and the Woodbridge Chamber of Commerce have been involved in discussions about the post, which now requires approval from the East of England Development Agency.

Penny Austen-Brown, chairman of the Suffolk Coastal Business Forum, said: "There is still a long way to go. We will need as many businesses and other organisations in the town to become involved and to offer their support."

There has already been some encouragement for the project with provisional promises of funding from some of Woodbridge's national High Street stores. The town council and various other organisations have also offered their support.

To support to the project or for more information, call 01394 385973.