SMALL shops in Witney are forming their own network to fight the threat from multi-national stores.

Ten independent businesses in the town have already agreed to be part of the new group, the Witney Independent Retailers' Association.

Its first official meeting is next month at Hacketts restaurant, in Wesley Walk, and they are ultimately hoping to expand to represent all 40-plus independents in the town centre.

The catalyst for the shopkeepers banding together is the Marriotts Close development, now under way, and expected to open next year.

Jeanne Chattoe, who instigated the new group, told the Gazette this week: "With the forthcoming influx of multi-nationals at Marriotts Close, many independent retailers are most concerned about how this is going to affect their business."

Stores such as Monsoon, Accessorise, Debenhams, and Marks & Spencer have already signed up to become part of the new development.

Mrs Chattoe added: "This will affect a whole spectrum of shops, some of whom are already struggling due to the retail slump, summer flooding, and high business rents and rates.

"Whilst nothing can be done about the development in the town centre, we can, by joining together, have a louder voice in the affairs of Witney."

She has been running Renaissance fashion shop, in Wesley Walk, for the past five years, and neighbouring shop Rosa Floral Designs is also on board. Proprietor, Rosa Ashby, said: "Our fear is that the multiples will infringe on our trade. I don't think the general public realise how dire it is getting for us.

"We give the personal service you won't get elsewhere, and local people have just got to support our independents, otherwise we won't be there for them."

The town already has a Chamber of Trade, but Mrs Chattoe says they feel it is time for independent shops to form their own interest group.

They have actually received support from the Oxfordshire Town Chambers Network, which also got behind the Wake up to Woodstock campaign to breathe new life into businesses in another West Oxfordshire town.

The threat from multiple stores, not just at Marriotts Close, but also the town's Woolgate Centre, is seen as a domino effect in pushing up commercial rents for many of the independents.

Others who have joined the new association are: McSaw, Domino, Papillon, Lomax and Staines, the Sewing Machine Centre, Cotswold Kids, Hacketts, and Bride and Beautiful.

Janette Reed, who set up Cotswold Kids five years ago at Waterloo Walk, but moved to Wesley Walk, said: "A few years ago, we tried to form a group representing the northern end of High Street, but it just didn't happen. Now we want something for the whole of Witney. People are lucky to still have so many independent shops, but of course, if they want to keep them, they have to use them.

"Many of us are lucky to have loyal customers, but we want to get the message across that the town still has many interesting shops, and you don't need to travel elsewhere."

The first meeting, on May 19, is at 5.30pm. Anyone who wants to become involved, either as an actual business or supporter, can contact Mrs Chattoe, on 01993 848539.