A POWER vacuum threatens to engulf Blandford's chamber of commerce, leaving the town's traders leaderless.

The president, vice-president, and treasurer of Blandford and District Chamber of Trade will all step down at the chamb-er's AGM on Thursday.

Rod Williams, who runs Nixons hardware shop on Barnack Walk, said family commitments prevented him from serving as president for a third year.

"I feel it's time for a new team to come in and re-invigorate the organisa-tion. The chamber cannot survive without the active support of its members," said Mr Williams.

A decision from supermarket giant Morrisons on the future of its empty Safeway store near the Ham and Marsh car park, was expected soon, Mr Williams told the Daily Echo.

"We have heard from Morrisons that they are considering a pilot project of three community stores, including one at Blandford Forum," the trader's leader said.

Consideration to a route through the town from National Express coaches will present another opportunity for Blandford's traders, Mr Williams added.

"It would connect Blandford with the rest of the county which, unless you drive, is extremely difficult. The ideal would be the restoration of a full service, but it could start with through ticketing," said the outgoing president.

But a smooth succession has been ruled out by the previous commitments of other senior members of the chamber.

Vice-president Steve Adamson and the chamber's treasurer Malcolm Russell are both involved in other projects in the town.

The critical meeting of chamber members starts at 6pm at Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion. Anyone interested in representing the body is welcome.