WILMSLOW Business Group can count on help from Shadow Chancellor, Tatton MP George Osborne, as plans are drawn up to promote the town during the recession.

The MP said he would play a pivotal role helping the business community curb the effects of the credit crunch and stave off job losses.

He said: "I am determined to do everything I can to help the people and businesses of Wilmslow get through the recession.  That’s why I called together local councillors and local firms to see what action we can take now to support the town and keep people in work. I will be making this my top local priority in the months ahead."

The business group has a rapidly growing membership including Hooper’s, Sainsbury’s,Waitrose, Barclays and The Flower Shop.

Spokesman Councillor Gary Barton said: "The Wilmslow Business Group (WBG) was formed to promote the town centre’s businesses, to help improve Wilmslow as a shopping experience and to improve links between businesses and the local community. Now however, it has an even more important role to play as one of the key organisations that are looking to help Wilmslow through the credit crunch.  It is this function that made it a natural point of contact for our MP as he seeks to work with businesses across Tatton to ensure that jobs are safeguarded and our town centres remain vibrant."

He added: "Dave Bolton and the Wilmslow Business Group are doing a fantastic job to promote and improve Wilmslow, both for businesses and for residents.  Being able to meet with the WBG and George together was immensely valuable. I know we local councillors, George and the business group are resolute in our desire to make the town centre something we can all be proud of."

The meeting was attended by councillors Jim Crockatt, Don Stockton and Coun Wesley Fitzgerald, leader of the incoming Cheshire East Council.

Dave Bolton, chairman of the WBG added: "With the economy in disarray it is even more important that business has a voice and we at the WBG were excited to meet with Mr Osborne as a follow up meeting to discuss practical ways that he can help. The group compiled an action plan to help in tangible ways to help alleviate some of the pressure on Wilmslow businesses. I am grateful for the time that George and the councillors spent with us."

Coun Barton is to be a key contact for businesses and he can be contacted on gary.barton@cheshireeast.gov.uk . To contact the business group visit www.wbgwilmslow.co.uk .

Recently WBG has held successful charity events including a Strictly Come Dancing contest at the Dance Studio on Hawthorn Lane. It has more than 30 members and welcomes other to join.