THE first meeting of the Folkestone Independent Trading Association has been hailed as a success by its organiser.

The group was set up by Dover Road trader Sue Sheppard last November to help give independent businesses more of an opinion in local matters.

FITA's first meeting was held at the Beano Cafe in Tontine Street on Monday, January 23, and more than 20 businesses turned out.

Sue Sheppard, owner of Lacies, said: "It went really, really well.

"The whole place was absolutely packed, we couldn't have asked for better really, it was a real success.

"It was really good, having so many businesses together in one place discussing how we can help each other.

"A couple of weeks ago we only had about 12 companies involved but we've had lots of interest now and it's nearly doubled to 22.

"There was a lot of discussion which was good to see. Lots of people had good ideas."

At the end of the meeting the group agreed to double the number of its publication, the Folkestone Shopper, to about 2,000 across target areas in the town such as Cheriton.

Another pledge was to eventually introduce a website which would be linked to existing tourism website Discover Folkestone, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter.

Miss Sheppard said: "It went on for about two hours and by the end we were all happy with the outcome.

"Everyone involved in the scheme has brought a different talent which will help us improve and move forward together. This is exactly what we wanted, a group of independent businesses working for the greater good."

Any independent businesses interested in signing up should call 013030 240470.