FORMER soldier Chris Worsley is aiming to haul Milnsbridge businesses into the 21st century.

Chris, 31, who runs Easy Fireplace in the village, joined forces with local optician Stephen Selbie to set up the Milnsbridge Business Association (MBA).

Only established in November, MBA now has more than 30 members and the organisation continues to grow.

Last year Milnsbridge was hit by a long-term bridge closure which hit many businesses hard.

But now the village is fighting back and Chris admits there is a long way to go.

“I am not interested in the past and the MBA is all about being positive and looking forward,” he said. “It is all about bringing the village into the 21st century. I think it’s way behind everybody else.”

Chris, who is joint chairman with Stephen, said there were more than 100 businesses in Milnsbridge – but many of them were hidden.

“I can’t believe businesses don’t shout about themselves. If they don’t tell people they are here who will?”

Chris, who started his business in 2006, only recently found out that the village had a stationery supplies firm.

Instead of using some of the international giants for his ink and paper Chris has now switched to Cleartask Ltd just round the corner in Tanyard Road.

“We are so close I could shout my order across,” he said.

That is one of the main aims of MBA – to get village businesses trading with each other.

“If a business can get another 30 customers they can forget about the recession outside. Just lifting their business by 10% or 15% can help keep them alive.”

Chris said there was a lot of naivety about in business because people had been pushed into self-employment by the recession and a lack of jobs.

“Joining a group like MBA helps new businesses survive and thrive,” he said. I set up in 2006 and I know the pitfalls and where I stumbled and we can help each other.”

One of the benefits of joining MBA is that Chris has negotiated special advertising rates to help promote the village and its businesses.

Chris is building relationships with local councillors and wants to spread the word that Milnsbridge is a convenient stop-off for those last-minute purchases.

“Thousands of people travel through Milnsbridge every day and it’s seen as a cut-through,” he said. “But you can buy your everyday essentials. If you stop off on your way home for your hair cut, for example, it could save you a trip into town at the weekend.”

To free up more on-street parking Chris wants to have a plot designated for business owners and workers. He also plans to talk to supermarket Aldi about allowing village shoppers to park there for up to 45 minutes without necessarily shopping in the store.

Other items on the MBA agenda including Christmas lights and a summer gala.

“It’s all about working together to make Milnsbridge businesses better,” Chris added.

Membership costs £25 and meetings are held monthly at Milnsbridge Baptist Church. Chris can be contacted on 01484 644464.