New businesses have opened in the latter part of 2009 and Christmas trade has been reported as good across a wide variety of retailers in the town. Huntingdon fared well in 2009 with footfall well above the national average. A count carried out in October 2009 showed an increase of 5% on 2008 figures against a national comparison for the same period of minus 6%. 

Clarks shoe shop, a Huntingdon business for many years, relocated to Chequers Court in January with a bright, spacious interior. If you do not shop regularly in Huntingdon then check it out, the range of shoes has increased and service is fantastic. I can also report that other businesses are looking to relocate, expand or carry out renovations - so watch this space for the latest updates.

More good news is the opening of the show homes at The Walks, the apartments adjacent to the library and ring road. Finished to a very high standard there are a range of one and two bedroom apartments, bringing smart city living to Huntingdon.  Access to the show homes is between the Library and Lawrence Court, the Register Office.

Looking for something to do then log on to www.cambridgeshire.net which lists events and activities in Cambridgeshire. You can now search for regular activities or one off events for Huntingdon, or list the events you are promoting.  

A regular Huntingdon event, the fortnightly Friday Farmers Market, goes from strength to strength. The new calendar for 2010 is available at www.huntingdontownpartnership.co.uk. Last week Pop Bellies restaurant, winner of the Huntingdonshire Food Awards 2009 Best Breakfast,were raising money for the Haiti earthquake disaster by selling breakfast rolls using only Farmers Market produce. On 26 February the guest stall will be the Fairtrade Group supporting Fairtrade Fortnight and the “Big Swap”.  www.fairtrade.org.uk/thebigswap 

On our door step, just off the Market Square, is the excellent Cromwell Museum. Have you been to the only museum in the world dedicated solely to Oliver Cromwell? The new 2010 calendar is available at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/cromwell with events throughout the year! 

Katy Sismore, Huntingdon Town Partnership Manager. Tel 01480 450 250 www.huntingdontownpartnership.co.uk