Warning on future of town's chamber

Business leaders in Wem today warned the town's chamber of commerce could collapse leaving small traders unrepresented if more do not join up.

Dave Granger, outgoing chairman of the group, said new members were desperately needed and warned "no support, no chamber".

He said numbers had dwindled from more than 100 to just 40 and feared the group would collapse, meaning businesses in the town would have no voice to represent them.

The warning came after the chamber held a town event last night in a bid to recruit more members.

Mr Granger said the event, a cheese and wine evening, saw potential new members turn out and hoped they would join the group at its next meeting on July 20.

"Like any society, the chamber of commerce needs support – no support, no chamber.

"If the worst comes to the worst and the group collapses, it is the businesses that will suffer because they will not have a voice to represent them, they will not have anyone to fight their corner," he said.

"We had a good attendance at the meeting but we are now waiting to see how many of those people sign up," he added.

Any trader who wishes to join the chamber of commerce can call Mr Granger on (01939) 236460.