A NEW president of the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce is taking over from Tracy Parker of Leykers.

Edward Kirk, owner of Scholars in Fore Street and Stanley Kirk Embroidery on The White Horse Business Park in Trowbridge has now taken over the position within the chamber.

The Scholars business formally known as Stanley Kirk, was founded by Mr Kirk’s grandfather in 1952.

He said: “I would like to thank Tracy for her continued hard work in raising the profile and accessibility of the Trowbridge Chamber.

“Tracy is continuing to be the main driving force behind promoting Trowbridge for business.

“All High Streets are changing and we have to accept that a mixture of smaller shops with residential is the answer.

“The large vacant units remain the main issue as their negative appearance fundamentally impacts on the whole town.

“As a Chamber we will continue to work together as businesses to promote what Trowbridge has to offer as well as work on main developments in the town.”