CANTERBURY traders are set to reap huge benefits from joining Ashford Chamber of Commerce following months of secret talks.

News of the proposed amalgamation has leaked out even though the city's chamber has yet to approve the merger.

At the annual meeting on December 18 the 100 members from the district are expected agree to join a new giant chamber for East Kent with a local committee.

Canterbury district CC chairman James Cross said: "It will cost more money to be members but it will bring bigger benefits.

"The British Chamber of Commerce wants to recruit across East Kent through Ashford's successful chamber. There is no point our district trying to compete. It makes more sense to join a larger chamber but retain a local committee."

He said the merger was timely and it was vital that Canterbury began encouraging more businesses to the area and gave greater support to existing enterprise.

He added: "Real wages are falling in the area and it is essential that we have a clear direction and framework for the future from which everyone who earns a living in the area can benefit."

Jo James, from the Ashford Chamber said: "This really will be good for everyone. "There are enormous benefits from being linked to the British Chamber. For example Canterbury members will immediately be eligible for help with legal expenses should they need them and there are dedicated officers to deal with their needs.

"Canterbury is very much how Ashford used to be -- more a loose-based trade association with links to the council.

"Now it will be a full-blown business support organisation and that must reap rewards for everyone."

Chamber chiefs were hoping to keep the merger secret but it leaked after a meeting of Maidstone Chamber of Commerce, which is also set to join.

Debt ridden Maidstone chamber is going into liquidation owning £40,000 then restarting as a division of the Ashford Chamber.

The Canterbury chamber has had a chequered past. Four years ago it became Kent Maritime, covering the Thanet, Dover and Swale areas.

But that went into receivership in 2001 when the old Canterbury District Chamber of Commerce was resurrected to give traders a voice.

Now supporters hope the Ashford merger will give a stable future and the back up to help all types of enterprise to succeed.