Fifteen months on from the foundation of Ledbury Independent Traders Association, moves are in place make the group more official with the setting up of a proper membership base and calls for an annual registration fee.

The group first met in July, 2000 and was effectively viewed as a replacement body for the old Ledbury Chamber of Commerce, which ceased to meet several years ago.

LITA's chairman Len Huff, of the ToyBox, is calling for 100 per cent support from the town's independent traders and added: "I believe LITA has come of age.

"We have made tremendous strides forward in endeavours to support traders in every facet of business and town life.

"The situation now is that LITA is represented on virtually every committee within Ledbury, whilst our new vice-chairman, deputy mayor Coun Martin Eager, is always alert to traders' needs and points of view when attending town council and other meetings.

"As a result, LITA's presence is requested at all meetings within Ledbury and, where appropriate, by Herefordshire Council. Our views and concerns are constantly sought."

Mr Huff himself has recently been active in calling for rate rebates for traders, in the light of the Seven Stars fire in the Homend. He has also called for a clear timescale as to how long the restoration of the pub will take.

Coun Eager said: "We need proper membership and a proper source of funding. This is something Len and I discussed from the start.

"We do work hard for local traders."