A MAJOR initiative has been set-up in a bid to create a vibrant town centre. The Royston Town Centre Forum has received £6,000 in sponsorship to begin a campaign looking at the needs of the High Street. And town centre manager Geraint Burnell said it wo

A MAJOR initiative has been set-up in a bid to create a "vibrant" town centre.

The Royston Town Centre Forum has received £6,000 in sponsorship to begin a campaign looking at the needs of the High Street.

And town centre manager Geraint Burnell said it would be an opportunity for "businesses themselves to help themselves".

Meanwhile, major town centre retailers have had a "summit" meeting with Mr Burnell to discuss the viability of the town centre.

The retailers - Somerfield, Boots, Woolworths, and Peacock's - will be looking at shopping trends of their other branches in different town centres to see whether there is an established pattern.

The outcome of their survey could lead to an approach to another major player to set-up business in Royston.

"We will be getting an accurate picture on the context of the region," said Mr Burnell.

He says the survey about to be launched is a "positive move" in attempting to give a lease of life to the High Street.

"It's not just a question of consulting for consulting's sake," he said.

"We have no preconceptions about the survey.

"It's all part of the question of seeing a town centre that can have vibrancy and vitality."

The results of the survey will be studied by expert consultants who are specialists in town centre management.

It is expected that it will take about three months to complete the survey and have the results available.

"The town centre forum has established its credibility in the town centre and we want to make more happen," said Mr Burnell.

In the past year the forum has run 29 public events around the town centre.