Town Centre's role for Maria

The world's first Garden City has a new Town Centre Manager.

Maria Leone, 34, who started her new role on 5 January, has lived locally for many years and brings six years of marketing experience with both the private and public sector, to the post. She will be working from Letchworth Garden City Town Centre Partnership's new offices above Dixon's in Central Approach.

Her last position was PR Manager with North Herts District Council and prior to that Maria was Marketing and Promotions Manager for Hertford Town Council. There, she worked closely with the Town Centre Management Board and the Chamber of Commerce, voluntary organisations and businesses within the town to promote the county town as a visitor, retail and nightlife venue.

During her time in Hertford, Maria took a lead role in all town events and spearheaded high profile projects including Hertford Fun Day, which rose from the ashes of the Carnival, a Medieval night and regular events such as band concerts, French markets and car rallies.

Maria, who will report directly to the Chairman of the Letchworth Town Centre Partnership, said:" I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to improve and develop the vibrancy and attractiveness of the LGC's Centre to shop, live and work in.

"Over the last few years, LGC has seen many improvements and I hope to build on these developments to ensure that the heart of the town, its retail base, continues to thrive."

"There are a number of initiatives which the Town Centre Partnership has already earmarked for my first few months, which I am looking forward to tackling."

Maria's post is funded by the Heritage Foundation and the North Herts District Council. However, the Partnership also enjoys significant funding contributions from Garden Square Shopping Centre, The Comet, Morrisons and over 70 retailers in the town.

Hugh Harper, Chairman of the Town Centre Partnership, said: "It's great news that once again Letchworth Garden City has a full-time Town Centre Manager. The Partnership wants to build on the town's Centenary feel-good 'factor' and also continue to help retailers wherever possible in their every day business lives.

"I am sure the retailers will make Maria feel 'at home' and that she will help them to ensure that their businesses are one-step ahead in the cut and thrust life of retailing."