MOVES are afoot to bring businesses in Milnsbridge closer together in the wake of disruption caused by road closures.

The first meeting of the new Milnsbridge Business Association will be held at 5.30pm on Wednesday at Milnsbridge Baptist Church.

The new association aims to promote Milnsbridge in a positive way following the re-opening of the road bridge over the River Colne.

Many businesses claimed to have lost trade as a result of the partial closure of the bridge for essential repairs and the introduction of a controversial one-way system while work was carried out.

Local Kirklees councillor Hilary Richards and a number of council officials will attend .

Stephen Selbie, of Selbie Opticians at Market Street, Milnsbridge, said: “We are hoping that we will get at least 20 businesses represented at the meeting and our aim is to appoint officers to the executive.

“The aim of the association is to promote all businesses in Milnsbridge and to encourage and support these businesses as they move forward following the reopening of the road bridge”.