“Dunmow is doing something wrong” when it comes to getting people to shop in the town, according to one businessman. Now a new group has been formed to help turn things around.

Great Dunmow’s Town Team, which is made up of business owners and councillors, met on Monday to discuss their ideas to help rescue the high street.

Their aims including trying to boost footfall and encourage shoppers not to go out of town to buy.

Mark Smith, of Smith & Co hairdressing on Market Place, feels the team should be focusing on people who “already live in the town”, especially those in the new developments, rather than trying to sell Dunmow as a tourist attraction.

“We need to make sure the people who live in Dunmow use Dunmow. If we can do that we will have a full high street,” he said.

“Dunmow is expanding and we are lucky to have this ready made group of people who want to be involved in the community, who do not use what is already on their doorstep.”

Joint chairman of the team, Derek Cornelius, of TaptxUK, said: “Dunmow is doing something wrong. We really need to focus on what it is we can do.

“We need to work together to try and make a difference.”

Free parking for residents during the day is one idea being mooted, while the team plans to create a website just for Dunmow. Branding will be another key part of the project.

Uttlesford District Council’s economic officer Simon Jackson, who has been heavily involved in the process, said he has every faith in the Town Team initiative, adding: “It is very important that everybody within the town comes together. Like all towns Dunmow has lots of pressures from the internet and out of town shopping.

“I am really pleased with the team that has come together. There are some exceptional people who are all dedicated.

What do you think? E-mail emma.hardwick@archant.co.uk