The mayor of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Mário Passos, visited several shops in the city centre yesterday, kicking off another outreach campaign to listen to the people of Famalicão.

The mayor noted the very positive impression with which Famalicão shopkeepers have experienced the new centre and the new dynamics resulting from the recent redevelopment of the city centre, such as the Christmas season we recently experienced.

Mário Passos toured the local shops accompanied by the president of the ACIF - Commercial and Industrial Association of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Fernando Xavier, and the councillor for the Economy, Augusto Lima.

"Local and neighbourhood commerce is one of the many attractions of our city, it's what gives life to our urban centre and that's why this sharing of ideas with traders is always very important. We'll do everything we can to ensure that their motivation doesn't wane and that people continue to shop in Famalicão," commented Mário Passos.

During Monday's visit, the shopkeepers also shared with the mayor some of their wishes, challenges and problems that they face on a daily basis. More security and extending the entertainment programme to other arteries in the town centre were some of the issues raised. 

"It's on the ground that we realise the true needs and challenges of the area and the population," adds the mayor, who over the last few years has worked closely with the 'beyond the gates' philosophy of the presidency, based on open and inclusive municipal management, in particular his weekly visits to the various parish communities in the municipality, his customer service and his visits to school establishments.