A town centre co-ordinator who lost his job after helping regenerate Leek's retail heart could be employed by traders.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council hired Mike Cozens to attract more shoppers and businesses to the area three years ago.

But the authority sparked outrage in November when a decision was made behind closed doors to abolish the "economy boosting" role.

The contract was officially terminated on Sunday.

Now Leek Chamber of Trade and Commerce is looking at employing Mr Cozens on an independent basis.

Patrick Redmond, of CTD Architects, in Clerk Bank, Leek, put forward the proposal at a meeting last week.

He said: "There is a strong sense that the role helped existing and new traders.

"I'm not necessarily saying the chamber should pay to ensure it can continue, but we could research ways and means of finding funding, hopefully in partnership with the council and traders."

Members unanimously supported the idea.

Dennis Sidebottom, of hairdressers Spruce and Dapper, in St Edward Street, Leek, said scrapping the position would have a "massive effect" on the relationship between the traders and the council.

He added: "Whenever I needed any help Mike was there. He introduced me to useful contacts and other businesses and asked how I was doing.

"He cares very passionately about his role and made the town more joined up."

Rob McGuinness, of RLM Associates, in Ashdale Road, Leek, said: "Mike was very helpful, especially if there was a problem contacting the local authority."

The district council says the role performed by town centre co-ordinators in both Leek and Cheadle will now come under the umbrella of the regeneration department.

It claims the switch will save taxpayers the £82,000 annual cost of the scheme.

But traders insist the sum represents good value for money.

Marc Briand, co-owner of homeware and gift store Colloco, in Sheepmarket, Leek, said Mr Cozens had been instrumental in helping him find suitable premises.

He added: "Mike not only showed us available properties but others which weren't advertised.

"Can that knowledge and experience be replaced to give people confidence to bring their business into town?"

National chains Bon Marche, Subway and Yorkshire Trading are among the businesses the co-ordinator helped bring to Leek.

Mr Cozens said: "I'm very pleased the chamber have demonstrated strong support for the role.

"I'm firmly of the opinion that the town needs this role and it's very short sighted of the council to remove it, particularly at this point in time.

"I'm very happy to voluntarily give my support to the chamber and individual businesses."