Brecon Chamber of Trade has been officially re-launched at a meeting in the Guildhall.

A new committee has been elected and will be starting work immediately on key issues, with a view to revitalising the town which has seen a visible decline in businesses investing in it since the last chamber of trade was disbanded in 2011.

The committee members are: chairman Brian Popsys (Brecon Pet & Garden Centre; deputy chairman Sally Griffiths (The Proper Pizza Company); treasurer Chris Nicholls (Nicholls); secretary Sarah Lewis (Conservative Office); social media rep Karin Mear (FYI:Brecon); Martin Like (Likeys), David James (James Dean), Gwen Fyfield (Barclays Bank), Paula Fahy (B&B owner), Julieanne Hore (The Angels at Brecon Market), Hannah Jones and Cath Rees (Centre of Attention), Keith Lee (Bikes & Hikes).

Mr Popsys said: “I am so pleased that we have got our committee elected now. This means we can set up Working Groups to take the discussions we have already started with the authorities forward. The main areas we need to tackle are parking, rents, Business Rates, empty shops and absentee landlords. We really need to get the town back on its feet so, if any businesses in town are interested in joining the Chamber of Trade, the committee would be delighted to hear from you. We need enthusiasm, skills and expertise to help us tackle all the issues that Brecon faces.”

The committee will be organising monthly meetings, with guest speakers invited to talk on a variety of subjects. There will also be a new website, which all members will have links on to their own websites. A Facebook page is being set up too and the Chamber of Trade will be working together with Brecon Beacons Tourism in producing the latest issue of “Brecon at a Glance” leaflet, which from now on will be available in all shops in town.

Those interested in finding out more should contact the Secretary, Sarah Lewis, on 01874 624796 (work) or 07791 098166. Alternatively, call in to Brian’s shop and collect a registration form from him.