OTBA //Achievements

achievements: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Old Town Business Association (OTBA)
• Formed in July 2001, the OTBA is the voice for its 150 plus members - a significant number of whom are locally-owned independent traders. The OTBA provides businesses in Old Town with opportunities to express issues that concern them and the development of their businesses. • The OTBA is now recognised by key committees and organisations in Warwick District, as representing the views of businesses in Leamington Old Town. On behalf of its members, the OTBA has been invited to attend numerous events and meetings (see below for more details of OTBA Representation on various committees). • Membership is currently still free. • Website otba.org.uk – useful source of information relevant to local businesses.
LIGHTS & BASKETS SCHEME
Creation of a Lights & Baskets Scheme, now in its fourth year with 45 members sponsoring 95 summer hanging baskets and the purchase and installation of Christmas lights in Clemens Street, Bath Street, High Street, Victoria Terrace and Southborough Terrace. For 2005, a total of £8,350 was raised to support this initiative, which aims to provide a co-ordinated scheme of seasonal improvements to the main shopping streets of Old Town.
Old Town Business Directory
• Lists the 500 or so businesses that operate from Leamington Old Town. • Free of charge to Old Town businesses. • First Edition published November 2000 (5000 copies). • Second Edition published May 2002 (8000 copies). • Third Edition published July 2004 (5000 copies) still available from 4-6 Clemens Street, or the Leamington Tourist Information Centre at the Royal Pump Rooms. • Online Edition available at otba.org.uk, receives around 3000 visitors per month.
representation
Over the last four years, the OTBA has represented its members on a number of important issues, such as the Parade Improvement Scheme, street cleaning, the case for opening up navigation on the River Avon and the Grand Union Canal, the decriminalisation of car parking and more. The OTBA currently represents its members views on the following committees: • Royal Leamington Spa Chamber Of Trade • Leamington Spa Town Centre Management Initiative • Leamington In Bloom • Old Town In Bloom • Leamington Spa Christmas Lights “Switch-On” Group • Leamington Spa Access Group – Parking Decriminalisation • Regenesis • Leamington Urban Mixed Priority “Lump” Group – The Parade Improvement Scheme