LETTERS are being sent to bosses of Ely businesses inviting them to help develop an economic development strategy for the city. They have been written by Cllr John Yates, chairman of the Ely Perspective Business Group, which took over when the long-establ

LETTERS are being sent to bosses of Ely businesses inviting them to help develop an economic development strategy for the city.

They have been written by Cllr John Yates, chairman of the Ely Perspective Business Group, which took over when the long-established Ely and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce was wound up.

He said: "The perspective has already done a lot to support and develop local trade and industry, including the highly successful drop-in networking sessions run at the Lamb Hotel for nearly three years.

"But more needs to be done as Ely expands and the district council considers long-term development proposals such as the Local Development Framework. So I hope we will get widespread backing for an organisation to represent all aspects of local commerce.

"We don't want to repeat the mistakes of the past by merely representing small vested interest groups but seek to be an inclusive, influential body made up of traders large and small, service industries such as tourism, market traders, developers and manufacturers.

"In short, we want to make sure that business has a strong local voice in any debate about Ely's future development."

Cllr Yates, a retired senior civil servant, plans to hold a public meeting and to set up a small executive committee to take the project forward.

INFO: Anyone interested in taking part can contact him on

01353 667672 or e-mail j.yates@fsmail.net