A NEW survey has been launched to help businesses in the Edwardian seaside town of Grange-over-Sands meet the demands of a changing economy.

Surveys by South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria Tourist Board were unleashed at a special event at the Grange Hotel where 30 business representatives gathered to hear how to compete more effectively and how to invest more in the community they serve.

Market towns officer Steve Finch said the surveys aimed to gather as much information as possible to help the town compete with shifting shopping patterns, such as Internet shopping and high street brands.

The event was also aimed at encouraging more town businesses to join Grange Chamber of Trade which, together with SLDC and CTB, sponsored the event.

"Grange is on a precipice in economic terms at the moment," said Mr Finch.

"We need to get businesses to work with us and, more importantly, work together more than they have in the past before this catches up with them."