A NEW business group could rake in extra funds for Lyme Regis.

The town’s business community turned out in force to show support for the newly formed commerce group.

Business owners and traders went to the first meeting of the Lyme Regis Business Group at the Pilot Boat Inn, which aims to promote the town’s economy.

A committee was elected to run the group from a wide range of areas in local business, with members representing the town’s hotel and restaurant association, trader organisations and service community.

Councillor George Symonds, who attended the meeting, said: “This is an umbrella group which will represent all traders, businesses and groups through the board.

"It was a very positive meeting and very encouraging to see so many people there. We really want the town to understand the importance of the group to everyone who has a business here – not just retailers, restaurant owners and those involved in tourism.

“The group’s aim is to promote the economic wellbeing of the town for everyone – particularly our year round residents – so it’s great to see representatives from the service sector and trades supporting the initiative.”

Members discussed ideas for future opportunities to improve economic activity in the town, including encouraging more out of season visitors, encouraging local residents to increase their support for local businesses and improvements to car parking and traffic flow in the town.

Trevor Hedger, economic regeneration officer for West Dorset District Council, said: “It was very positive for the potential of the group to secure funding on behalf of the town as it seeks to develop opportunities to enhance the town’s commercial activities.

"West Dorset is always willing to support funding applications from local business groups, provided they can demonstrate they are being run on a formal and correctly constituted level.

"The meeting clearly demonstrated business owners in Lyme Regis are committed to this objective and I look forward to following and supporting their progress.”

All business owners are invited to attend the next meeting on July 31 at 6pm at Lyme Regis Power Boat Club. For details call Tony Colston on 07770 275641 or email lymeregisbg@gmail.com