Efforts to breathe new life into Wem’s economy in the wake of the recession are being held back because of a lack of input from businesses, a meeting heard.

Representatives from Wem Chamber of Commerce made the claim at a meeting of Wem Town Council last night.

Chairman Bill Nevett gave councillors a presentation on the chamber’s work and called on the town’s business community to engage positively with efforts to reinvigorate the group.

He said “apathy” and “isolationism” in the business community were holding back the chamber’s efforts to help its members emerge strongly from the recession.

Mr Nevett, who is also site manager at Wem Industrial Estate, said chamber membership could be healthier and that engagement with it was limited.

“We can get members to pay their membership fees no problem, but so many don’t attend meetings.”

He added: “For the time being the chamber will remain in hibernation, but if we keep persevering hopefully we will get somewhere.

“There are many good businesses around here but many are isolationist.”

Mr Nevett urged businesses to use the chamber for sharing ideas and to create a stronger voice for Wem companies. He said that plans to launch a chamber website were on hold due to insufficient membership.

Kingpin Limited paid £1,000 to sponsor the website and help with set-up costs, but the project has stalled because there are “not enough members at the moment”, he added.

Councillor Peggy Carson said she was saddened by the news, adding: “Years ago the chamber of commerce was a really busy organisation.”