SALISBURY is facing a number of challenges and it must meet them if it is to advance, says Andrew Hodder, president of Salisbury & district chamber of commerce and industry.

Mr Hodder, speaking at the chamber's AGM, said the previous year had been one of "solid outstanding achievement - a year of change and of new direction".

"Salisbury faces a number of challenges," he said.

"Although we have very low unemployment, this is a double-edged sword in that it creates difficulties in obtaining and retaining staff.

"Further, Salisbury wage rates are well below those of our neighbours, so that we have a situation in which we endure high property prices, but large numbers of people can no longer afford to live here - people whose services to the community are absolutely vital.

"The number of young people living in Salisbury district has fallen by 23 per cent in a decade.

"They cannot afford to live here, as the jobs that are on offer tend to be low paid - jobs paying more than £25,000 are a rarity. We have tried to help the district council to look towards the next horizon, which is to encourage businesses that are needed to sustain a quality economy in Salisbury - it is hoped that Solstice Park might be a source for some of them."

He went on: "The big challenge ahead is the Harnham Relief/Brunel Link - we are very mindful of the needs of the businesses on Churchfields and also the need to reduce traffic congestion.

"Without proper infrastructure it is difficult to see how Salisbury can advance itself - and it needs to advance itself.

"We must all work together to solve these problems and we will seek not only to look after our members, but the economic development of Salisbury as a whole."

Mr Hodder said reforms in local government would probably see county councils replaced by a regional assembly and regional government.

"There will be district councils, the south-west regional council and Whitehall to deal with," he said.

"With this in mind, we are in the process of forming an umbrella organisation known as Business-Wessex, an alliance between Salisbury & district chamber, Wessex chambers and Swindon chamber, which will deal with these regional issues.

"The launch is planned for June.

"We are also hoping to find new premises so that we can provide a more professional service to our members and those with whom we deal."