Great Yarmouth businessman hopes to help high street via Facebook

An inspired Great Yarmouth businessman is harnessing the power of social media in a bid to reinvigorate the town centre – and urging fellow shopkeepers to sign up to his scheme to help turn the high street’s fortunes around.

James Rodgers, part owner of Craftmania in King Street, has launched a forum on Facebook where businesses can let shoppers know of special offers, discounts, in-store events and new products to help draw more people into the town.

The 27-year-old was spurred into action after becoming “bored” of watching the town fall apar. He was “fed up” of moaning about shops leaving, so instead decided to focus his energy on the positive and promote what Yarmouth has to offer.

He said: “It’s all about getting people into the town to show what our towns have got and making them see what they’re missing.”

Mr Rodgers has already been harnessing the power of Facebook with Craftmania’s dedicated page, which he credits for keeping his business alive.

He acknowledged there were other groups working to boost the high street – such as the Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership – but thought his scheme could provide an instant lift for businesses.

Mr Rodgers added: “I’m not doing this to be a hero. I’m just an idiot with a small idea that I feel could actually help somebody. If we don’t pull together and do something we can’t moan when it’s gone.”

To get involved visit www.facebook.com/greatyarmouthtowncentre