A GROUP of volunteers from Prestwich have launched an innovative new campaign to encourage residents to get behind local businesses and drive the town centre's economy as it moves through the latest stages of the pandemic.

The campaign, called 'It Takes A Village' has been set up by a voluntary group, Prestwich Village, and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), designed to help high streets open safely during the pandemic. The campaign is focussed on a message of local people coming together to support each other and creates a platform for all Prestwich businesses and community groups to be seen and heard.

The Prestwich Village group was formed during the first lockdown last year and quickly established a Facebook business group where local businesses can ask each other questions and gain valuable support.

The online portal www.prestwichvillage.com was also established where local businesses can list themselves for free, and which now provides a central point for people to search and find out everything that is happening in the town.

As the lockdown gradually eases, leaflets are being delivered to 10,000 Prestwich homes encouraging residents to check out local businesses – both on the high street and operating from their homes. The leaflet features doorstep photography of local business owners taken by Prestwich photographer Soraya Evans.

Prestwich resident Rob Grant, who is leading the campaign, said: “Prestwich has so much to offer, and this campaign gives the opportunity to profile the extensive range of talent in our village, extending beyond those on the high street, and to demonstrate what an impact our local community can have by working together to help our village thrive. It is very exciting to see the power of collaboration and support in bringing out the best of people.”