Robyn Rosen A TRADERS association for Muswell Hill will be funded by Haringey Council, it was announced this week. Council officers met traders last Thursday to discuss plans for the group, similar to the Crouch End Project. Nick Shlittner, business and

Robyn Rosen

A TRADERS' association for Muswell Hill will be funded by Haringey Council, it was announced this week.

Council officers met traders last Thursday to discuss plans for the group, similar to the Crouch End Project.

Nick Shlittner, business and enterprise policy officer, said: "We are aiming to work with trade associations across the borough's town centres.

"They make it easier for us to have a dialogue with traders about the issues that effect business, such as more ways to get people into shops and raising the profile of an area.

"We're really keen to promote the area and provide some funding for it. The Crouch End Project has worked very well and we'd like that over here, with late night shopping and monthly events."

In January, the council announced it would be giving the Crouch End Project a �10,000 grant towards launching a new website and discount card scheme.

Charlotte Murray, owner of a hair salon in Muswell Hill Broadway, said: "I think it's a great idea and I will definitely be involved in it. There's no point moaning unless you can do something about it.

"It's all about the community here and I feel it's very important to be part of it, so this can give traders an opportunity to communicate better with each other.

"It's important to support each other to get more trade and if there is a problem of something good happening, we can spread the word better.

"I'm also for a late-night opening in Muswell Hill. I already offer it and think it will be beneficial to other traders because often shoppers can't visit until after their own working hours."

Nigel Wheatley, owner of the Broadway Pet Stores in Muswell Hill Broadway, said: "I think it's a good idea for us to get together and form a traders' association. It's good for us to share views on things like parking and late-night shopping.

"It can get very insular here when you work from 9am until 6pm and you can go home without speaking to any of the other traders.

"Shopping trends have changed dramatically and we need to come up with new ways to attract shoppers. We're an old-fashioned broadway and there are few of those left.

"I felt that the council did make the right noise but I hope they don't go off and do nothing now.