TAVISTOCK'S Chamber of Commerce met West Devon and Torridge MP?Geoffrey Cox at a business breakfast recently, in advance of a debate he has secured in the House of Commons, entitled 'Government Policy on Independent Retailers'.

Mr Cox took the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues, including the health of the high street and local economy, and the general effect of the economic climate on independent retailers.

More than 20 people from a wide range of businesses attended the event, which was organised by Tavistock Chamber of Commerce events co-ordinator Robert Oxborough and its chairman Nigel Eadie.

Mr Cox said: 'This was a very important meeting, which allowed me to take the pulse of local businesses and understand the detail of issues affecting trade and our local economy.

'I intend this to be the first of regular meetings with the Tavistock business community.

'It is critical in these very difficult circumstances the Government is aware of what is happening in areas such as ours, specifically in relation to important business needs such as the willingness of banks to lend to small business, the vagaries of the business rates system and the need for local government to ensure better support for and consultation with local traders on matters such as parking.'