SMALL traders whose livelihood is threatened by massive business rate increases have called a meeting to discuss action.

Canterbury Independent Traders Association (CITA) is extending an open invitation to the gathering on January 12, to identify what can be done in the face of changes coming into force in April.

Updated rateable values of shop premises could mean a rise of as much as 50 per cent for some small traders, which is expected to see some businesses go to seed.

Dick Vane-Wright, CITA secretary, said: "Canterbury's attractiveness as a shopping centre is dependent not only on the ubiquitous multiple stores in the new Whitefriars but also on the great variety of small and specialist shops, bars and restaurants.

"In recent years, these small businesses which bring so much colour and interest to the city have been hit by high business rates and huge increases in rents and many have closed.

"Shopping in Canterbury will soon be affected by major increases in parking charges, and competition from Thanet's new Westwood Cross shopping centre.

"The rise in business rates is likely to drive many more of Canterbury's fast-disappearing small traders to the wall."

The meeting will be held at Westgate Hall in Westgate Hall Road at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.