A TRADERS' association is holding a crisis meeting as it stands on the brink of folding due to lack of members.

Bishop Auckland Business and Traders Association will hold a general meeting next week.

It says that unless new members and volunteers can be found, it will be unable to have any representative voice on behalf of the businesses of Bishop Auckland.

This would lead to the association, which was set up by businesses to improve the town's trading environment, being scrapped.

Acting chairman Paul Wilson said: "We currently have 21 members and require a minimum of 30 paid up members by the end of the meeting.

"Failure to get sufficient members will result in the association being formally abandoned following the meeting."

The purpose of the meeting is to adopt a constitution and elect a steering committee, for which volunteers are being sought.

It will be held on Monday, at 5.30pm in the Wesley Room at the Four Clocks Centre, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland.

Membership costs £20 and people can join on the night.

Anyone who is unable to attend the meeting can send a cheque payable to Bishop Auckland Chamber of Trade to Derek Toon, Town Centre Manager, Four Clocks Centre, 154A Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7EH.

If the group does fold, cheques received will be returned.