TAVISTOCK no longer has a functioning Chamber of Commerce following the failure to find a chairman this week.

The chamber was suspended on Monday as part of an emergency measure taken after no-one stepped forward to head the group.

The suspension means annual events organised by the chamber are in jeopardy — notably Dickensian Evening and the Christmas lights.

The chamber has been running on a depleted executive committee for sometime and at this week's annual meeting chairman Ian Taylor stepped down without a replacement being found.

Mr Taylor said: 'Four people took the chamber forward last year and we soon found that wasn't enough — I don't believe that is representative of the town either.'

He said only a few members regularly attended meetings and he felt many small businesses considered they were too busy to get involved.

'The main core of Tavistock business is the self-employed — the number of one-man bands is very high,' he said.

Lyn Roberts, chamber treasurer, said 'apathy' was threatening a unique town.

'There are too many traders who isolate themselves in their own businesses and they are forgetting that if the business next door is fading, the town is going to fade.

'They must realise they have got to help each other.

'I am in this chamber because I love Tavistock and to see what is happening to this town now breaks my heart.'

Mrs Roberts said traders should be told what was happening to the Chamber of Commerce and what the town stood to lose if it folded.

'We have to ask them "Do you want a chamber or not?" she said.

Mrs Roberts suggested reducing subscriptions in an effort to attract more members.

Mary Thompson of the Village Arcade said she was 'puzzled' why more traders did not belong to the chamber.

'It's really the only place where they can air their views,' she said.

John Morton, an independent financial advisor, said he was 'staggered' the chamber was facing such problems.

He thought it should be the hub of the business and economic community in a town the size of Tavistock.

'I didn't expect to hear what I am hearing tonight,' he said.

President Neil Woolcock suggested an open meeting for all traders and businesses in the town to air their views.

Until a decision is made on the chamber's future, its assets will be kept in a high interest account — any outstanding bills will also be settled.

Former chairman Devon county councillor Roy Cook said he was 'bitterly disappointed' by the news.

'I am shocked they are in that state — it used to be a great strength in the town, we had a lot of stalwarts, every member was taking part in it then,' he said.

Tavistock Chamber of Trade's present constitution was formed in 1955.

It has 44 members who pay a £40 annual subscription.

Mr Taylor has been chairman for 18 months and is not standing again due to business and family reasons.

l An opening meeting for all town businesses to discuss the future of the chamber will be held on Tuesday, January 25, at 7pm in the Ordulph Arms, Tavistock.

A letter confirming arrangements will be sent to every town trader.