Last week, I met with the Walton-on-Thames Trading Alliance (WoTTA), a group which has branched out from the former Walton Business Group (which I was involved with). WoTTA was set up earlier this year, by a group of local traders and residents whose aim is to make Walton-on-Thames an even better place to live and work.
I met with WoTTA’s chairman, Cllr Alan Palmer, Danny O’Sullivan from McDonalds, and director Joanna Gordon (all pictured with me above). They explained how WoTTA is working to improve the look and offerings of the High Street, and connect with the community. Currently footfall in Walton is 65,000 people a week, and WoTTA are hoping to bring more people (and tourists) in by improving the range of shops. They also outlined their plans to improve the green spaces (by organising a ‘Walton in Bloom’) and combat anti-social behaviour. They have organised activities from a litter pick, to lunchtime lectures, and are helping to organise the Heritage Day and Festival of Light.
I was very impressed with their collaborative effort, and I am sure their work will be vital to ensuring the vibrancy of Walton. It was good to meet with Alan, Joanne and their team, and I look forward to working with WoTTA as they grow over the years to come.