LEYKERS Coffee Central co-owner Tracy Parker has taken over as chairman of Trowbridge's Business Improvement District task group so that she can stand up for independent businesses.

The announcement was made at the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce AGM after a question was raised by Scholars owner Edward Kirk about the Chamber’s position on the scheme.

Mr Kirk said he believes all businesses should be included in the task group, who will compile the final business plan which will be taken to a vote in May.

He added: “My business has been excluded from the task group and so have 120 others who have signed a petition against the BID.”

President Emma Roberts said the chamber has a neutral position as there are both members for and against the BID.

In recent weeks, Vote No posters have appeared in shop windows across the town against the BID which would see businesses have to pay a levy for improvements to the town centre.

While the levy hasn’t been confirmed, many are worried that the extra costs could put them out of pocket.

David Baker, who represents the chamber on the task group, added that a meeting is due to take place to discuss the BID, from which a lot of information people are concerned about will be made clear.

Mrs Parker addressed the meeting and said: “I believe Mosaic haven’t handled it correctly and I am going to take the chairman position of the BID.

"It has to be an open process and I invite businesses to the meeting.

"Someone has to stand up and take the charge. I believe going forward we need to form a task group of about 12-16 independent businesses and we all sit around the table together and work out a plan for the town. It has to be something that works for us.”