Market Drayton chamber of trade is wound up
The Market Drayton Chamber of Trade and Commerce has officially closed after no-one came forward to take it over.
The group was known for helping to fill shops, organising major annual events and clamping down on crime in the town.
But it was officially closed this week after no-one came forward to take it over.
The closure comes after a three-month period when bosses called on volunteers to take on the group, which had about 35 members.
Former chairman Mark Whittle said: "At the meeting there was just myself and two other members which is unfortunately typical of the attendance.
"Sadly when there are problems in the town about 20 or 30 people turn up, but when things are running smoothly no-one bothers to turn up.
"It cannot be sustained with just two or three people."
The group, which has been running for more than 20 years, supported businesses in the town and has organised the medieval damson fair and in the last couple of years.
The chamber also helped organise the successful Shopwatch and Pubwatch schemes which have helped businesses prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
Mr Whittle – who has been chair of the chamber for the last three years – said: "We have handed over the Pubwatch and the Shopwatch schemes to the police and we have paid for the licence so it runs for a year.
"But it is now up to the town to keep it going.
"The chain of office has been handed to the Mayor for safekeeping so if in the future it wants to be started again someone can do that.
"But I really am very saddened by it and dismayed at the way the town has become."
Last week, Mr Whittle said he was pleased to see empty shops in the town being quickly occupied.
He said that the town was "keeping its heads above water" with one shop opening soon after one closes.
But Mr Whittle said people only seemed to be attending meetings when things were not going so well.
He said: "When problems come they will all shout, but without a professional body to back them up they will find things very difficult.
"The chamber has always fought for new businesses to open and large businesses to come into the town."
