Shopkeepers, hoteliers, pub licensees and firms are being urged to come up with bright ideas to shine the spotlight on the Spen Valley.

The plea comes from David Adams, the new area trade co-ordinator for the Spen Valley employed by Spenborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce to lure more shoppers, visitors and new businesses to the area.

He has organised an open forum and social evening on Tuesday, October 20 at Gomersal Park Hotel in Gomersal to discuss ways to boost the opportunities for tourism, conference and exhibition facilities in the area.

Mr Adams also wants ideas for projects to celebrate the millennium in the Spen Valley.

Guest speakers at the 6pm meeting will include representatives from the tourism industry and local companies.

"The forum is an opportunity for potential new members of the chamber to look at how they can co-operate with regional organisations to boost the tourism, conference and exhibition opportunities in the Spen Valley," said Mr Adams.

"We would welcome anybody who feels they should get involved. We are hoping retailers, pub landlords, owners of hotel and boarding houses, owners of craft and gift shops and local firms will come along to the forum.

"It will give them a chance to network and discuss matters of mutual interest and socialise after the meeting.

"I would also like to hear from people with ideas and opinions for projects which will benefit the community to help celebrate the millennium in the Spen Valley.

"I want creative thinkers out there to contact me on 01274 851399 with ideas for worthwhile projects".

Proposals under the chamber's Heartbeat Project include providing a major venue for conference and exhibitions, a tourist office, a museum dedicated to the history of Spen and grants to improve shop fronts.

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