A NEW website promoting shopping in Tollcross has been launched to help traders in the area.

The Shopping As It Should Be site has been set up by local businesses to encourage more shoppers to the area.

The Tollcross Traders' Association was re-established in June after more than ten years of inactivity. It followed a study, commissioned by the city council, outlining ways in which the area could be transformed into a vibrant shopping and popular cultural hub.

The new website - www.tollcross-edinburgh.co.uk - comes at the same time as a shopping directory, which was produced by the council to promote the local services, was sent out to 10,000 residents and businesses.

John Saunderson, who has a butchers on Leven Street and is chairman of the traders' association, said today: "I think we really have to highlight the fact that we have become very multicultural in Tollcross and this should be an attraction for people to shop in the area.

"It's great that we have this website and the new directory to promote what we have to offer."

He added that the traders would also like to see late-night shopping sessions in Tollcross over the festive period.