This website and the Towns Alive programme are supported by the Big Lottery Fund

Market towns have been hard hit by the recession, with unemployment overall rising by a third more than in the nation as a whole. Shop vacancies have increased and empty shops are getting harder to let.

But towns are fighting back. Town Partnerships and Town Councils are working locally to bring renewed vitality to their town centres. Action for Market Towns is providing research, lobbying and helping to promote the sharing of good practice between towns.

A new government fund is providing help to some of the worst hit town centres - and AMT stands ready with advice and practical support to help towns who qualify.

Click here for links to a number of resources, including case studies, all linked to the campaign theme of Prosperous Places.