MID-WORCESTERSHIRE MP Peter Luff has told business leaders in Evesham they need to pull together to withstand the impending world recession.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting of the Evesham Chamber of Commerce yesterday, Mr Luff said the town's businesses faced the same problems as their competitors around the country, especially the "crippling burden" of legislation, stealth taxes and red tape.

He said pressure from Government to centralise services in the "mistaken belief" that economic efficiency was all, meant Evesham continued to face particular difficulties.

"Our town seems to have lost so much and it will have to fight if it's not to lose more," said Mr Luff.

"We've already lost our post office and our benefits agency office. The hospital may be secure but the magistrates' court and the county court are both under threat.

"The closure of the police cells in the town was a tragedy that made the maintenance of public order more difficult."

He said Evesham could overcome the challenges but to do so, needed to stick together.

"We should seek to build the Chamber of Commerce and boost its membership," he said.

"It could then explore from an even stronger position how to exploit Evesham's huge advantages - its history, its location, its architecture, its river, its reputation and its strong community spirit - something many similar size towns have lost.

"At a time of economic difficulty, unity will be all. I'm sure the businesses of Evesham will rise to that challenge."