A MEETING to hear about the possibility of setting up a system similar to a Chamber of Commerce in Holsworthy was due to be held on Monday.

Town councillors discussed the use of the Market Hall during a recent full council meeting, which had been requested by the owners of Holsworthy Pets who are spearheading the idea.

Town clerk Vanessa Saunders said: “Remember when the traders from Holsworthy Pets came along to ask us if we could get someone from Torridge District Council to talk about what we can do in the town following the success of what Bideford did with its chamber of commerce — even though I pointed out that there is more money and support in Bideford — well they have asked to used the Market Hall on June 10 from 6pm to 10pm, at the latest, for a meeting.

“We, the council, would normally charge for the use of the hall but we think, as they have only really just got together, we should offer them this first event for free — what do you think?”

Cllr Pete Shepherd said he thought it was a good idea, adding: “They seemed very keen to get something going, it would be good to encourage that.”

However, Cllr Toby Johns queried whether this was going over old ground.

“Forgive my young and limited memory but didn’t we used to have a Chamber of Commerce in the town?”

Cllr John Allen, who previously sat on the town’s Chamber of Commerce, said: “We did but it dwindled. We started having meetings in the White Hart then moved to the industrial estate but it soon became apparent that it was no longer representing the retail aspect of the town.”

Cllr Johns said he thought it would be good to see something similar return to the town adding: “Holding it in the market hall should get good presence from local traders.”

Mrs Saunders said Mike Pearce of Bideford’s Chamber of Commerce was due to attend the meeting who will expand on what Bideford has done through its chamber.

The council agreed to offer the Market Hall free of charge for this inaugural meeting.