TRADE in Settle is still suffering a year on from foot and mouth disease, but the long term prospects are good, the town's Chamber of Trade has reported.

"In the long term we think things are looking very optimistic, but in the short term the tourist input is pretty dire," Steve Finch, the chamber's business development officer told the Herald.

"Some firms have recovered, while the majority haven't. Some businesses are even finding trading conditions this year as bad as at the height of the foot and mouth crisis.

"Because people couldn't visit the area we have found their habits have changed and they now go elsewhere. We really need to attract people back," he said.

The long-term picture is healthy thanks to the launch of the chamber's Settle Business Redevelopment Package. The first of regular brainstorming meetings has taken place and consultation with the community has begun.

An invited audience discussed a wide range of issues including transport links, the appearance of the town centre, quarry vehicles and their impact on the town, the need for a new leisure centre and broadband internet access.

The new package for Settle was launched last month at a meeting attended by rural affairs minister Alun Michael.

The full description of the project is "to create an achievable three-year business development action plan, taking into account environmental and community issues, which encourages entrepreneurialism and enterprise especially in the young, delivers the aspirations of existing businesses and attracts compatible business migrants to the area."

Chamber members Erskine Corporation Ltd and John Christopher Associates Ltd have been appointed to deliver the project.

Simon Campbell, of Erskine, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for both existing businesses and new start-ups. Increasing business and generating wealth in the area will have great benefits. It will provide educational and employment opportunities for the young people being brought up in the area today.

"The community has a one-off opportunity to shape the way that future will be - the more views we can have from people, the better."

The project, funded by Yorkshire Forward, envisages the creation of a unique business community in Settle, encouraging high-tech and creative businesses to move to the area.

Better facilities would include a business centre, a shared distribution centre and the opening of other channels of trade, such as mail order.

Part of the package is a comprehensive marketing plan to raise Settle's profile.

A key aspect of phase one of the project is to research the feelings and opinions of the local community. Mr Campbell said: "For a plan such as this to succeed we have to be aware of the entire community's hopes, plans and aspirations."

Anyone wishing to be involved in the consultation process should contact the project team on 08708 400254 or e-mail project@settle.org.uk

o A Settle Chamber of Trade project to landscape the roundabout on Settle bypass with a three peaks theme has been delayed by Lancashire Highways, said Mr Finch.

However, the chamber is hopeful the project will go ahead soon.