THE Chamber of Commerce retail sub-committee is set to take on a more public role. It now represents the interests of the St Peter Port Traders’ Association, which has been disbanded.

Chairman Tony Creasey said that the committee was perfectly placed to represent the interests of the retail sector effectively.

‘Chamber has had a retail sub-committee for some time but it has possibly been my fault that the profile of it has not been as high as it could have been,’ he said.

‘But we have done a lot of work behind the scenes with the Training Agency and the Board of Industry.’

He is looking to integrate the former association members and then expand committee initiatives.

‘First I want to integrate the new committee to make sure that it is functioning properly before we increase the number of initiatives and its profile.’

Mr Creasey said that one of his priorities was to continue to promote retailing as a career.

‘We are already working with the Training Agency and I hope that can continue and expand.’

He added that the merger was logical.

‘There seemed to be a duplication of effort between the association and Chamber and its sub-committees on issues such as retail, parking and traffic. We ended up going over the same ground.

‘The merger was a logical step. Chamber is recognised as an important institution for the commercial life of the island in which retail and St Peter Port are a very important part.’

Mr Creasey said that he understood concerns about the prospect of Town not having its own representative body.

‘I understand that concern but we will have to see how it works out. The association did raise the profile of issues at the heart of Town but equally Chamber is concerned about the same ones.

‘For example, the Markets have been of great concern to us and we have held discussions at great length with interested parties. We have been involved, but not necessarily in the public eye, but talking to the States, its committees and the appropriate authorities.’

Mr Creasey said that while the committee was concerned with other developments, for example Leale’s Yard and Admiral Park, St Peter Port, the jewel in the crown, would not be neglected.