LISKEARD Traders' Association is all set to wheel into action its latest initiative to help bring more shoppers into the town centre.

On Saturday, July 27, members are hoping to launch the Liskeard barrow boys and girls, who will help the elderly and infirm, or anyone who is having difficulty in carrying their shopping up the steep hills from Fore Street.

They will load shopping into wheelbarrows, which have been sponsored by The Cornish Times, and push them up Bay Tree Hill and Pike Street.

This week a £184 cheque was presented by Simon Bates, manager of Lloyds Bank, Liskeard, to the traders' association, which will cover the cost of public liability insurance for the new venture. 'I think it's a great, novel idea which will hopefully bring some more footfall back into Fore Street,' he said. 'Lloyds Bank is happy to support our local traders.'

Ian Stevenson, traders' association chairman, said: 'We are grateful to Lloyds Bank and The Cornish Times for their support, and we hope a number of students from Liskeard School and Community College, or any youth organisations, will come forward to be our barrow boys and girls.'

Association treasurer Roy Vass said the two sponsorships would be a great boost to funds to help get the initiative off the ground.

Happy

Speaking for The Cornish Times, which has provided the funding for the wheelbarrows, general manager Hazel Bradley said: 'The traders are working hard to bring trade to the town and we are very happy to support them and their latest idea, which will also help the local community.'

Young people willing to offer their services should pop into Beddoes Fruit Arcade or The Shoe Shop, both in Fore Street, to register their interest. They should be aged 14 upwards.