Chairman Colin Wright spoke to the Herald about what the group hopes to achieve this year to benefit Honiton and its surrounding areas.

The chairman of Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce has revealed the organisation’s New Year resolutions for 2016.

Colin Wright spoke to the Herald about what the group hopes to achieve this year to benefit Honiton and its surrounding areas.

“We will keep lobbying for a start date for the A303 and continue to press for better broadband for the whole area,” Mr Wright said.

“The businesses in the area are really struggling against the competition because the broadband is very slow. That means they could well miss out on custom.

“It’s also very difficult for farmers in rural areas of Honiton, who have to fill out all of their forms online.

“Imagine how frustrating it is for your broadband to cut out when you’re in the middle of filling an important document. We are also going to maintain assistance to businesses in the town to promote their trade, and market the town.”

Looking ahead to Christmas this year, Mr Wright said the chamber wants to improve the festivities by exploring the option of having Honiton’s winter carnival, carol service, Christmas lights switch-on and late-night opening on one night.

“It’s difficult to do a big switch-on, and admittedly we left it too late last year,” he added. “If we could do all the festivities on one night and do a big event, it would be really good.

“We will be having a meeting to discuss this option, and feedback from residents and local businesses would be really useful.”

The chamber is also considering holding a couple of open meetings with local traders and residents.

To become a member of Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce, visit www.honitonchamber.co.uk