> Traders today spoke of their delight as fashion retailer Bon Marche announced it was moving to the town, while Greggs the bakers has already opened its doors.

Eight jobs are being created as Bon Marche take over the former Ethel Austin store which closed in May, while Greggs is employing around six people now it has taken over the former Viva Furnishings store which has relocated Replica Cheap Watches Wholesales in 2010 Handbags to neighbouring Park Road.

The addition of these two new stores mean there is just one empty store on The Square Co the former Threshers off-licence which closed in March.

John Moxham, chairman of the St Annes Chamber of Trade, told The Gazette: "It's great to have national companies taking up empty spaces in the town.

"There is something about St Annes which seems to attract national ?rms, yet we do have agood mix of independent shops on fendi shoes for women the high street."

"During arecession we seem to have weathered the storm although it was ablow to lose Ethel Austin when we did and Threshers too.

"But, after speaking to traders it is clear St Annes continues to thrive and bring the names which people want it.

"Bon Marche is alike-for-like with Ethel while Greggs is very www.hotstylewatches.com well known and much-loved brand, which will provide competition for other bakers in the town."

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Traders are joining a campaign to clean up streets which calls on the public to report offenders and warns litter bugs they could be given a Pounds 75 on-the-spot fine.

Civic leaders in Bath & North East Somerset say people in the World Heritage city do not want to see cigarette ends, chewing gum and other litter in the streets.

They are distributing 700 campaign posters and letters to businesses encouraging them to play their part in the awareness campaign.

The race a which club president Rob Halliday says is widely regarded as the toughest cross-country event in Scotland a finally got under way after being cancelled three weeks ago due to the freezing weather.

In the first race for under-13 boys and girls it was Iben McMillan who crossed the line first to claim the silverware, covering a lap of the park in 11 minutes 42 seconds.

In second place it was Mhairi Inglis and third was Ishbel Inglis. In the boys' event, David Mercer romped home first, with Keiron Pringle second and Morgan Tait third.

In the senior ladies and under-17 girls' race a which makes it way from the putting green up to Whitehaugh and back down through Wilton Dean a it was Louise Mercer who claimed the spoils, winning in 23:06. In second it was Pam Paxton and third Sylvia Grieve. The under-17 boys' race was won by Keith Learmonth in a time of 23:17.

The senior men, who took on five miles of rugged countryside over the fields and down through Wilton Burn, were led home by Ian Williams in 46:54. Second in a time of 47:14 was club captain Raymond Jaffray, and in third it was Allan Inglis in 48:12. Special mention must go to Alan Coltman who completed his 19th Langheugh in Succession.

President Rob Halliday told the Hawick News: "It's a tough course and despite the cold conditions everything went LED downlights well. This used to be my favourite race because it flings everything at you: burns, fences and dykes. And I have always been led to believe it is the hardest cross-country in Scotland."

Club captain Raymond Jaffray, who took second place, added: "It was a good race and I really enjoyed. It's a hard race but the conditions weren't too bad once we got going and up onto the hills. Although it was pretty frosty so the ground was really rutty Best Lacoste Shoes Online and we had to watch our step.

"There were a few cut knees and legs from jumping over the fences sand walls but it was still good. There's no other cross-country race like it."

The next race for members is the club championships which will be held on Saturday, February 13. Regristration will be at the museum from 12.15pm, with the first race going off at 1pm. For more information contact Rob Halliday 376995.

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