ANGRY bosses are fighting "disgraceful" plans to keep 70-year-old Maidstone Chamber's presidential chain in Ashford.

At least five former presidents of the defunct Maidstone and Mid Kent Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Training and Enterprise, have united to oppose plans to keep it in Ashford.

The row over the chain erupted after Ashford Chamber took over a new chamber in Maidstone when the old one went into liquidation with debts of more than £40,000.

Ashford chamber chief executive Chris Capron insisted that because the chamber no longer existed, the valuable chain should be kept in a secure place in his offices.

The decision provoked fury in Maidstone. Bill Moss, the town centre manager and a former chamber president, said it was "an absolute scandal and disgrace" for the chain to leave the County Town.

"It's part of Maidstone's heritage," he said.

The chain should be handed over to Maidstone Museum at the earliest opportunity, he said.

"It shouldn't have been allowed to happen in the first pace. I'm hopping mad and very angry.

"Pressure should be put on Ashford. It's bad enough having Ashford run our chamber without having Ashford parading our chain of office down there."

The full force of Maidstone should be brought to bear on Ashford to "bring it home," Mr Moss added.

The campaign has the support of former presidents Mark Baker, David Brett, David Nicholson and Elaine Craven.

Mr Capron said the chain was switched to Ashford because he did not want it going to an individual in Maidstone.

"What is important is that the chain doesn't go into the hands of another organisaton other than the chamber of commerce. What I will not do, which is what I was asked to do, is to hand it over to an individual."

He said he would recommend to his board at the next meeting on December 18 that the chain should be handed over to Maidstone Museum.

Meanwhile, the new Maidstone chamber has opened for business in the London Road offices of law firm Brachers.

Mr Capron said it was a short-term arrangement while he looked for premises in the heart of Maidstone. "It's important we are in the town centre where it's happening," he said.