Its initial funding is from the Rural Development Commission. He added that they face a multiplicity of pressures, but new opportunities were arising to help market towns fight back. At present many organisations find themselves working in isolation and can be unaware of initiatives elsewhere. Action for Market Towns provides a support network, run by an independent board on behalf of its members. Action for Market Towns is relevant to anyone with an interest in the future of small towns.
Members range from local councils to chambers of trade and community groups.
The launch of Action for Market Towns received extensive media publicity. It is hoped that coverage will continue throughout the summer to highlight the organisation and the many issues facing small towns. The chairman of Action for Market Towns is David Fletcher MBE, noted for his environmental approach to economic recovery. David, who lives in Hebden Bridge, is co-founder of the Pennine Heritage Trust, which is involved in regeneration work, and chairs the TransPennine initiative to raise the profile of northern England. He is a commissioner for the Rural Development Commission.