MORE than 80 traders in Liverpool’s Old Swan have clubbed together to beat the credit crunch.

The area’s shopkeepers and other business owners have formed an association to woo more customers.

The first act of the Old Swan Business Association (OSBA) – has been to produce and distribute a business directory which is this week is being delivered to around 14,000 homes.

The directory details services and products, and contact details to encourage residents to shop locally.

Paul Aberdein, joint chairman of OSBA and a partner at Bartletts Solictors, said: “There is a real need to grow the economy in this area as well as other suburbs, and we took the view that our businesses can thrive if we work together to encourage the local community to access what we have to offer.

“Our directory will help us achieve that, but it will also show residents the real possibilities and opportunities here in Old Swan, and we can all take pride in where we live and work – it doesn’t have to be all about the city centre.”

Businesses in the area that covers Prescot Road, St Oswalds Street, Broadgreen Road and Derby Lane are being encouraged to join OSBA and air their views on how they would like to see Old Swan develop and its amenities be improved.

Billy Gillbanks, the other joint chairman of OSBA, who is director of B&S Sound and Lighting, added: “We want to let residents in Old Swan know about the wealth of choice of shopping and leisure facilities on offer here.

“Old Swan has a huge range of businesses catering for every need including supermarkets, high street shops, specialist shops, discount shops, legal services, banks and building societies and it’s all on the doorstep.

“We are equally hopeful that our joint efforts will help make Old Swan another Liverpool shopping destination in its own right.”

The city’s economic development agency, Liverpool Vision, is supporting the initiative. Eastern area manager Phil Linley said: “Liverpool’s district centres provide vibrant and varied services, and Old Swan is no exception.

“The value of businesses coming together to inter-trade and to develop local opportunities cannot be overestimated.”

For more information go to www.oldswanba.co.uk.

tonymcdonough