TRADERS have a week left to save their Chamber of Commerce. The Whitstable group, which has served the town since 1919, only has 54 members and needs another 20 to be financially viable.

A last-ditch appeal was made last month but just six business people have come forward. The annual meeting is on Wednesday, April 17, and if more people do not join on the night the group may have to close.

Secretary Dickie Bird said: "It would be terribly sad for the town if we had to shut but we really have no choice. We simply cannot carry on as we are. I am really hoping for a good turnout because this really is the traders' last chance to show their support. We need a groundswell of interest to save the group. I am still hopeful that we can save the chamber. It does such a lot for traders and it would be disastrous if we lost it."

The annual meeting starts at 8pm in the Marine Hotel. All local businesses are invited and can join on the night.