AN organisation that has championed traders' causes for more than half a century is to live on after its members supported its survival.

The establishment of groups such as Durham City Forum meant that those behind Durham City Chamber of Trade began to doubt its usefulness to local businesses.

Despite looking after traders' interests for more than 50 years, handling everything from crime to parking issues, they feared it was no longer relevant to modern companies.

To gauge opinion, the organisation sent out a questionnaire to traders across the city, asking for their views.

Following a positive response, members at the chamber's annual meeting on Monday decided to continue, building up its committee to further strengthen its role.

A spokesman said: "There is a certain amount of overlapping since the city centre manager was appointed and we thought it was time for a reassessment of the chamber's activity.

"The conclusion seems to be that our members want us to carry on.

"The chamber will continue and there will be some effort to beef things up a bit with an expanded committee."

Run by volunteers, the chamber is a member of several local groups, including the Durham City Forum.

The chamber of trade is supported by annual subscriptions paid by its 50 members.

One of its major concerns over the years has been crime and the organisation was instrumental in helping secure closed-circuit television for the city centre five years ago.

The chamber spokesman said it was the only organisation that catered exclusively for local traders.

"The members felt they wanted a separate voice for traders in the city, and that's what we are," he said.

City centre manage Chris Rawlinson said: "I'm delighted to hear that the chamber will continue.

"It has really good links and its a good link between us and smaller businesses," said Mr Rawlinson