MEMBERS of Burnley's Chamber of Trade today made an appeal for businesses and shops outside the town centre to join the organisation.

Secretary Rita Walsh said the Chamber became stronger with each trader who joined the group.

But she made a particular appeal for businesses in outlying areas of the borough, which are currently under represented in the town.

Mrs Walsh said the 80-year-old organisation was an effective mouthpiece for shops and businesses in the town centre, but there were large sections of the community without a voice.

She said: "We have quite a respectable membership in Padiham but there are large parts of Burnley with no membership."

Mrs Walsh added that the type of business was irrelevant.

"It doesn't matter what people do, just that they came from those areas where the membership is currently low so a wider representation of traders can meet with the council.

"We want shopkeepers and business people of all shapes and sizes."