A PROPOSAL to establish a Chamber of Trade for businesses in South Craven is to be put forward at a special meeting next week.

The initiative has migrated south from Creative Rural Enterprises (CRE) which is based in Settle.

The CRE was formerly known as the Settle and District Chamber of Trade until it changed its name in 2001.

The change has proved successful in helping to regenerate the area.

Over the past two years the CRE has secured more than £200,000 worth of funding for the district.

It now employs a full-time business development manager, Rebecca Roberts, who networks on behalf of local businesses and helps them seek advice to assist their businesses. An executive team of eight members meets once a month, while the 120-member companies attend regular events, exhibitions, meetings and seminars.

The idea of forming a similar structure in the South Craven area came from Jonathon Kerr, director of economic development at Craven District Council.

Mr Kerr said: "The work carried out by Creative Rural Enterprises has made a real difference in the Settle and Three Peaks area. Businesses meet regularly to discuss issues affecting their community and we would like to offer a similar opportunity in the South Craven Area."

Mrs Roberts added: "The work we do can range from including member offers in our newsletter through to more serious issues such as liaising with the Highways Agency over recent road closures in the area and producing events to generate tourism at times when they are needed most"

An informal meeting will now take place at Silsden Golf Club on Tuesday March 1 from 7pm when members of CRE will give short presentations on the process they went through to create the organisation.

The idea of the meeting is to generate enough interest from businesses within the South Craven area to enable them to form their own group.