Maldon is being put on the map as it is hailed nationally as a good example of town centre management.

Town centre manager, Marion Wells is currently preparing a report for Action For Market Towns -- a national body.

''Maldon is beginning to get interest from various national agencies like the Action For Market Towns,'' said Marion.

She added: ''They are going to do a feature on Maldon and produce a briefing document on things we have done so we get nationally known as a good example for town centre management.''

The organisation is expected to come to town later and then produce a briefing document which it will circulate to members and government agencies.

The past year in the town has been very successful with more shops opening said Ms Wells.

She added: ''Every time I update the shopping directory I have to squeeze in more.

''We will also be distributing the shopping directory and Munch Guide around the entire district and probably in Chelmsford and Colchester as well this year to encourage people to come to Maldon to shop because of its unique offerings instead of the usual fare.''

Newly introduced this year in the town will also be an entertainer on the last Saturday of each month to liven up shopping.

The first entertainer will be on Saturday, January 29, who will move between various locations between 11am to 4pm.

Some of the theme months which ran last year will also be repeated, including a writing month in April.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.