DURSLEY traders are opening up the town for family food, music and shopping for three Friday nights during the summer.

Dursley After Hours is an initiative of four local women who want to help the town’s recovery from the pandemic.

“We came up with the idea as a free, fun and friendly way for people to start their weekend spending time in our town,” said Danae Savvidou, chairman of the Town Improvements Committee.

“We’ve had a great response from cafe and shop owners who are going to open until 9pm.”

Dursley After Hours is being organised by town councillors Doina Cornell, Wendy Thomas, Danae Savvidou and Anja Rowston.

It’s supported by local cafes and shops including the Hummingbird Cafe, the Old Spot, Bank Cafe, Belles Kitchen, That New Shop, Simply Foot Care and the King’s Head, which has recently reopened under new management.

“Dursley, like all towns, has suffered during the pandemic,” said Dursley councillor and leader of Stroud District Council, Doina Cornell.

“So the four of us got together, each with our different hats on, to think how we could help.

“We thought it would be nice to encourage people to come and support local businesses and have a bit of fun at the same time.

“It’s going to be a family friendly event, with music, food, drink and shopping, with tables set up on the market place and under the town hall.

“It will also give people who are at work during normal opening hours the chance to come into town and enjoy what’s on offer.”

The first event is taking place during the first week of the lifting of Covid restrictions.

“We hope people will come along for a relaxing night out and help support our local traders,” said Cllr Savvidou.

“You can chill out under the market place and listen to live music.”

Dursley After Hours will run monthly on a Friday until 9pm on 23 July, 20 August and 17 September.

If you’d like to get involved contact Danae via email at: danae.savvidou@dursleytowncouncil.gov.uk