The new chairman of the Hythe Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (HCCT) has invited support from businesses outside the High Street area and called for more interest in its activities by the town council.

Joanna Ames (pictured below), who took over from Kevin Howell as chairman at the meeting of the chamber's executive committee on January 19, said that thriving retail trade, professional services and tourism were key to the prosperity of Hythe. As an immediate task, the chamber planned to step up its campaigns to encourage residents to shop and do business locally and to promote features of the town which make it different, distinctive and attractive to visitors.

"Much has been achieved in the three years since the merger of the chamber and the town's tourism forum, and now we have to build on that success. Frankly, as a not-for-profit organisation entirely dependent on subscriptions, we need more members not only to fund our work but also to generate new ideas to carry forward our objectives.

"Projects in the pipeline include the development of the town map-guide and website, and we shall alse be considering new ideas for traditional High Street events, including Christmas decorations and entertainment, which many people think are organised and paid for by the town council. In fact, they are all HCCT initiatives. Practical interest and support from the council as a policy would be welcomed and, doubtless, would encourage support from other sources. HCCT receives and values much useful advice from councillors who serve on the executive committee which represents a range of community interests as well as those directly concerned with business and tourism

"Future progress depends on working together and not leaving the heavy-lifting to a few dedicated owners and managers of businesses in and around the High Street. That's why we are keen to recruit members from other parts of the town with expertise not necessarily in the retail field. For an annual subscription of only £60, they will get worthwhile benefits".

Ms Ames said that the chamber had a big programme of projects for 2010 and would work closely with retailers, including the supermarkets, to increase footfall, and with hotels, attractions, event organisers and the Discover Folkestone. Hythe and Romney Marsh tourism partnership to attract short break and day visitors.

"HCCT will use every opportunity to raise awareness of Hythe as a place for shopping and leisure.