THE carnival atmosphere will continue in Bath Road as traders host a week of events to wave the flag for independent busin- esses.

On Saturday, Cheltenham Connect launched a community initiative at the Exmouth Arms aimed at fighting back against the recession.

A host of action groups has been set up to encourage shoppers to buy local.

Organisations were given the chance to show off their wares at the event, set up by resident Wendy Ellyatt.

Visitors were given the chance to find out more about what goes on in the Bath Road, Tivoli and Suffolks areas.

Now, traders in Bath Road are hoping to go a step further by putting up the bunting, slashing prices and giving demonstrations of the delights they have to offer throughout this week.

Chairman of the Bath Road Traders' Association Matt Birch, from the Brown Jug, said: "In this climate independent traders are suffering, so we want to show people who may not normally shop down Bath Road exactly what we have to offer – and that's a personalised service that's friendly and happy to help.

"We have everything to offer, from food and drink to DIY stores, hairdressers and flooring and beautiful gift shops.

"We're offering wine and cheese tasting at the Brown Jug, Robin Jenkins the Butchers will have samples of what meats he has to taste and will be showing customers how to cut properly.

"Floorline has discounts and a free prize draw to win a carpet – there's so much going on and the place is really looking its best."

Mark Coote, prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate for Cheltenham, who helped launch a Save Our Small Shops campaign last year, was present on Saturday and hailed the "amazing atmosphere".

Liberal Democrat MP for the town Martin Horwood also attended and spoke of his support for the traders.