Laws to meet with Chard Chamber of Commerce (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Laws to meet with Chard Chamber of Commerce

3:21pm Sunday 17th February 2008 in Chard By Steve Sowden

LOCAL MP David Laws is to meet with members of the newly-formed Chard Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss various issues affecting the town.

The Yeovil MP has agreed to attend a meeting with traders on March 14 at 5.30pm in the Gallery above Hooked on Books in Holyrood Street where it is expected he will be quizzed on a number of subjects including car parking.

The Chamber, which was only formed in December, has named Graham Barnes, the proprietor of the Bakers Dozen in Fore Street, as its chairman and he is hoping for a decent turnout of traders to meet with the MP.

"I hope as many traders turn up as possible to meet the MP," he said. "But numbers have to be limited, so please could they get in touch with me beforehand if they are intending to attend the meeting."

Mr Barnes added: "The Chamber wants to become a 'voice' for traders in speaking to the various local authorities."

The Chamber has already indicated that car parking is a key issue for traders in the town and they are hoping to put pressure on South Somerset District Council in the future about reducing parking prices.

"The Chamber would prefer to have short-stay car parks and to see the option of tickets being priced to attract people into town as they are in neighbouring towns such as Axminster and Honiton," he said.

"For shoppers who only wish to park for a short period it needs to make parking a lot cheaper."

The Chamber will be liaising with other local traders' groups and contact has already been made with existing branches Ilminster and Crewkerne.

* If you are a trader and would like to attend the meeting with David Laws MP then please contact Chard Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Graham Barnes on 07727 181910.