COMMERCE in Cirencester could be booming - if only the businesses were united, according to a new intern hired to help the town through the recession.

Chisanga Kasonde, a former student at the Royal Agricultural College, will be working with the Chamber of Commerce for six months in a bid to boost its membership and business in the town.

Her post, which began in August, has been jointly funded by the RAC, Cirencester Town Council and the Chamber.

Chisanga graduated from the college in May after completing a Masters in Business Administration.

But instead of heading off to the bright lights of the city, she chose to stay in Cirencester to give something back to the town.

"I am giving back to the community which had made me what I am," she said.

"But it is not an easy job and is very challenging. I will keep trying my best."

Chisanga's first task is to create a database of all the businesses in the town.

She is also trying to boost membership, which is currently less than 100, in a town of approximately 500 businesses.

She delivered, by hand, 350 questionnaires to the businesses to find out why they had not joined.

"It is not about leaving it to one person to improve the town and no-one is going to come from Cheltenham or Swindon to help develop Cirencester," she said.

"The revenue of this town could be greater than most of the big towns if the businesses became united."

To contact Chisanga or to join the chamber of commerce call 07896 267738.