SHOPKEEPERS hit by double or even treble their existing business rates are being urged to seek advice from their chamber of commerce.

Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce latest meeting focussed on the need to address the issue of the sudden rise in business rates in some areas of the district, and particularly Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill.

At the meeting, businesses were able to meet with representatives from the Valuation Office and also the district council for advice on how their rates are calculated.

Chamber of commerce president Heather Thirtle said: “Taking in the whole of Epping Forest the worst hit are is Queens Road. Some people have had their rates doubled. Meanwhile the business owner has nowhere to park his car. It's unfair trading throughout the whole of Epping Forest.

“People who need advice can get it through the chamber of commerce. We can give out your rent and rateable value and then advise on whether to appeal. It muse be borne in mind that if you haven't got a good case don't appeal or you could end up worse off.

“We have found some businesses who will be appealing. We don't know exactly how many. Rating surveyors have made appointments with various shops.”

Business owners can contact the chamber of commerce on 0843 289 8184 .

Epping Forest District Council has now signed a motion calling on the Government to reduce business rates by at least 20 per cent.

It has also released a fact sheet to help businesses find out what revaluation services are available at its website eppingforestdc.gov.uk.