Alison Isherwood started the job of market town co-ordinator this week, a position that will help create a business plan to attract investment and trade to the town.

Alison is well versed in the ways of the town having spent the last five years working as project officer for 21st Century Thame.

She is one of three people that have secured the appointments - the other two are in Wallingford and Henley.

Cllr Rodney Mann, cabinet member for economic development at South Oxfordshire District Council, said:"I'm delighted we have now appointed three extremely capable people to these roles.

"Our new co-ordinators will play a vital role in securing the success and vitality of our towns. Our investment in these new posts shows our commitment to helping Thame, Henley and Wallingford reach their economic potential."

The council is investing £55,000 a year into the three new posts as part of its ongoing commit-ment to improving the viability and vitality of the market towns.

Feedback was collected from each town on what was needed and the
posts were identified as being vital to the success of action plans for the towns.

The three co-ordinators will work on the ground to deliver the action plans and will work closely with the town councils, partnerships, businesses and local community.

The co-ordinators will be responsible for: helping to promote the town's distinctiveness, including working on branding and promoting what's special about the town; updating the district's tourism website with events and promotions; helping to attract more local events for residents and visitors; encouraging more businesses to join the town partnership; and strengthening the visitor economy through promotional activity.