A NEW community group to promote Waterfoot has been set up.

Twelve residents and business owners now make up Waterfoot Forward, a group set up to regenerate the town after ward councillor Trevor Unsworth and former councillor Ruth Alcroft, called a public meeting to gauge support for the idea last month.

More than 50 residents, traders and councillors turned out and a similar number attended the second meeting held this month.

Coun Unsworth said: "I was really pleased with the turnout for the second meeting because we had as many as attended the first.

"We didn't know what to expect when we suggested getting an association together to improve the town but it's been a very uplifting experience.

It shows to me that people in Waterfoot care and the will is definitely there to make things happen and turn Waterfoot into a place people want to visit."

The association has identified three priorities to focus on - the Grade II listed arcade, which has fallen into disrepair, litter and village centre parking.

Coun Unsworth said: "There have been numerous issues raised at the meetings that people want to see addressed.

"We do not want it to be a glorified talking shop - we want to see things happen. Some things can be achieved in the short term and others will be part of the bigger picture.

"It doesn't matter how long it takes, as long as we make Waterfoot a town that people want to visit, and I'd like to see the whole community involved."

The next meeting will be on March 27 at Waterfoot Social Club in Ashworth Street, starting at 7.30pm.