A PETERSFIELD district councillor says East Hampshire District Council is doing its bit to help businesses promote trade in town.

In last weekÕs Herald, director of Petersfield Marketing and local goldsmith Trevor Towner said the district council had let down businesses in the town.

He was responding to claims at a meeting of the central area community committee that the Petersfield Town Marketing Initiative should stand more on its own two feet.

Mr Towner said the council had failed to understand problems facing local companies.

But this week chairman of the district councilÕs community committee Bob Ayer said the council has provided support for the organisation.

He said: ÒThe basic fact is that East Hampshire District Council is doing its bit for local businesses. Since early 2001 EHDC has agreed grant aid to the Petersfield Market Town Initiative of just under £20,000.

ÒI think most residents would agree that this is a substantial amount for the district council, especially when it is considered that EHDC has contributed a similar amount to Alton and has other towns and larger villages to consider from the point of view of economic development.Ó

Mr Ayer pointed out that the PMTI had also received financial backing from Petersfield Town Council and Òsubstantial support from TescoÓ which, he say, also supports charities and other community initiatives.

At the last meeting of EHDCÕs central area community committee members agreed to support the third of its three yearly £6,500 grants to the organisation.

In a presentation to councillors it was revealed that business contributions to the PMTI are set to fall from £11,675 to £4,500.

Mr Ayer believes is was this announcement that prompted councillors to question the commitment of local businesses to the organisation.

He pointed out: ÒThe town manager who was present at the meeting explained that the forecast figure was a worst-case scenario and expressed his confidence that the actual support from local business would be greater.Ó

In last weekÕs Herald Mr Towner said many contributions from local businesses were never costed. He said a team of volunteers had spent many hours on projects to benefit the entire community.

Former town mayor John Crowhurst agreed with Mr Towner and warned that if market towns die it will be because of Òinsufficient funding and too much lip serviceÓ.

Mr Crowhurst said: ÒTrevor along with his wife Jill have made very significant contributions to the town and its business sector.

ÒLocal business is disappearing in favour of national and regional chains. Those left are losing their share of available trade.Ó

He added: ÒThe lack of volunteers along with ever-increasing legislation have forced many bodies into hiring contractors. The result, greatly increased cost.Ó

q See letters, page 12.