The news is disappointing for Young businesses, but the Chamber has only gone into recess and not closed down permanently.

As such, an opportunity to revive the Chamber of Commerce in the future remains an option.

President of the Young and District Chamber of Commerce Jim Cusack said it was disappointing to go into recess, but it was the only viable option.

“Ideally the Chamber of Commerce would continue to operate, but that was not an option,” Mr Cusack said.

“Due to a lack of interest from local businesses, we decided to go into recess rather than shut the Chamber down.

“Last year, four directors stood down and we only received one nomination to fill those spaces.

“We did not have a retailer on the committee.

“The good news is that we haven’t closed it.

“The account is still there if people get interested and want to put the work in to get it back up and running,” he said.

The Chamber in its current format was established in 2007 and enjoyed some significant successes.

It was re-invigorated mid-2013 with a new president and group of directors coming onboard.

The year 2014 was particularly successful with well-attended Business Awards and a very positive Christmas shopping campaign.

Mr Cusack is hopeful under an amalgamated council, the Chamber may return to operation.

“I am hopeful the enthusiasm will return, possibly over a broader area which includes Young, Boorowa and Harden,” Mr Cusack added.

“We were in a similar situation three years ago when there was also a distinct lack of interest and involvement.

“We formed a vibrant and energetic committee which was very successful.

“Hopefully as the amalgamation of the three councils under the Hilltops banner gets settled, we can find enough interest in the communities to get back up and running again,” he said..