MOVES are being made to form a new chamber of commerce at Totton to replace a group that folded.

Traders attending a reception hosted by Totton and Eling Town Council were told they would benefit from having an official voice.

Calls for a new group were led by councillor Steve Shepherd, a town-centre trader and former chairman of the previous chamber.

He said a town manager appointed by New Forest District Council was working closely with shopkeepers in Hythe and Ringwood.

"Where there's a strong chamber of commerce, local authorities have a core group with whom they can discuss issues important to traders," said Mr Shepherd.

"Problems can be tackled much more quickly - and once things start to happen you get a feel-good factor."