TRADERS in Pickering are urged to back a business group which may be forced to fold.

Pickering in Business has 60 members but lacks support at its meetings says chairman Councillor Natalie Warriner.

She is stepping down as caretaker chairman, and the secretary Eileen Blakeley is also retiring from her post.

Now a crisis annual meeting is to be held at The Black Swan Hotel, on Tuesday, February 10, in a bid to generate new enthusiasm.

Members will be asked whether they believe the organisation should be disbanded, kept dormant, or revitalised with a new committee.

"It is quite worrying that Pickering may not have any Christmas lights this year unless a group can be formed to take the project forward. We also need sponsorship to replace some strips of lights" said Coun Warriner.