Nidderdale Chamber of Trade will cease to exist at the end of next month after at least half a century of promoting businesses in and around Pateley Bridge.

Membership has dwindled since covid and there has been a lack of interest in taking up leadership roles.

Consequently the current directors have announced they will not be seeking re-election and are urging the 40 or so remaining members to take advantage of an introductory offer to join Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce.

Tim Ledbetter, chairman of Nidderdale Chamber of Trade and owner of Sypeland Outdoors, said the chance to join the Harrogate district group meant a "negative had turned into a positive" because it would give Nidderdale businesses a wider reach. He said:

Mr Ledbetter said the chamber would leave a legacy of success, which included organising events such as late night Christmas shopping and a 1940s weekend and success in competitions such as the Great British High Street and Britain in Bloom.

The Harrogate district chamber is offering Nidderdale chamber members, which include hotels, shops, distilleries and galleries, discounted membership as a time-limited introductory offer.

Chief executive David Simister said:

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