PORTISHEAD'S Chamber of Trade and Commerce has escaped the axe - after new people came forward to run it. The future of the chamber, currently headed by Ron Hazelton, was under threat because of dwindling members and lack of interest. Mr Hazelton said unl

PORTISHEAD'S Chamber of Trade and Commerce has escaped the axe - after new people came forward to run it.The future of the chamber, currently headed by Ron Hazelton, was under threat because of dwindling members and lack of interest.Mr Hazelton said unless fresh blood came forward to run the group, which only had a handful of members attend meetings, it was likely it could fold altogether.Now businesswomen Claire Macdonald and Jane Morris-Thurgood have stepped into the breach and plan to revive the chamber and hold a welcome meeting for new members in January.Mrs Macdonald said: "We had heard the current chamber was considering closure due to lack of interest, but we felt very strongly that it was really because businesses knew nothing or little about it."The pair drew up a survey asking local businesses whether they would be interested in getting involved in the chamber, with positive results.Mrs Macdonald said: "The results speak for themselves with more than 100 businesses saying they would be interested in joining the chamber."Many of these wanted to see more involvement in the carnival and the Christmas and Victorian evening."Supporting the Portishead Christmas Lights Committee was another strong issue along with business support and networking."The group is now planning a welcome meeting on January 25 at Clarence House, where a new Chamber of Trade committee will be elected.Anyone wanting to find out more information about the Portishead and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce should contact Claire on 01275 844777.