Geoffrey Cox, MP for Torridge and West Devon, met members of the Holsworthy Chamber of Trade and Commerce on Friday, April 24 to discuss issues of concern to traders in the town and the effect on them of the national economic situation. The low numbers in attendance led to a more intimate and frank discussion with the MP. Mr Cox, who, last year, sat on the Conservative policy commission which examined how small shops and market towns could be assisted by improvements in government policy, was keen to learn of the experiences of small businesses in the town after the economic downturn. He was very interested in the chamber's Loyalty Card Scheme and their ­discussions with Waitrose. He took on board the problems Holsworthy, and a lot of other market towns, face as far as parking is concerned and pledged to discuss with Torridge District Council ideas about what can be done to help encourage shoppers into the town. He was also interested in their progress with the pocket finder. Waitrose have agreed to display the town map at the new store and the chamber have ­written to Torridge District Council about displaying the map in the car park. Geoffrey Cox said: "It was a very useful meeting, and I am grateful to the Chamber for inviting me. We discussed a wide range of subjects of specific concern to Holsworthy traders, as well as the important opportunities that will arise with the developments in prospect for the new cattle market and the effect of the arrival of Waitrose. We also discussed the contribution that national and local government can make to the success of local small businesses in a recession." The MP, who last month called on the Government not to implement planned increases in ­business rates, continued: "It is clear that the Government should rescind its absurd new business rate hikes for this year. It is also important that the county and district councils consider how by improved ­signage and careful use of parking controls, we can enhance the prospects of the town's traders."