Chamber of commerce faces closure (From Herald Series)

Chamber of commerce faces closure

7:10pm Thursday 8th November 2012 in Didcot

DIDCOT’S Chamber of Commerce is in danger of folding if it does not find volunteers to take up key positions, its members have been warned.

Julia Williams, manager of the Premier Inn at the Milton Interchange, resigned as chamber president after being promoted by the hotel chain.

She urged Orchard shopping centre owner Hammerson to submit its planning application for a £125m phase two redevelopment of the centre.

She said: “The longer you delay the more chance there is for shoppers to go elsewhere to do their shopping.

Chamber treasurer Mike Foster is also handing in his notice next month, leaving only Jayne Reddyhoff, the chairman, managing it.

Chamber member Jeanette Howse, who organises the Didcot Christmas Street Fair, said: “If people are not prepared to take on the key roles, there is no-one to organise the chamber.”