A HIGH street enthusiast has set up an online initiative to promote the high streets of the United Kingdom, launching in Maldon next week.

Darren Whitefield, 51, of Steeple, has set up his website “Total Shops Online” to help promote high street businesses and get people working with each other to raise awareness of charities and local producers.

Mr Whitefield has worked around the country fitting alarms and other equipment in high street businesses, and was inspired to set up a site that promotes high street awareness after hearing of the struggles some businesses have.

Darren said: “I love high streets and the businesses they can offer, and I’ve heard some very sad stories about the hardships of maintaining a business there.

“I want to get people engaged more with each other so that the public can know about their high street, the different shops and businesses there and the charities too.”

Darren will be officially launching his initiative at the town hall in Maldon next Thursday, where Maldon mayor Richard Miller will oversee the distribution of leaflets with information about Maldon high street to representatives of different local businesses, who will then pass them onto the public.

Darren added: “I aim to go nationwide with the website, providing information for the 124 different postcodes across the UK. Maldon will be a starting point, and it’s taken seven years to build up this site and get set up on social media and design leaflets.

“I’m looking forward to expanding and helping high street business owners in Maldon and beyond.”

Visit www.totalshopsonline.com.