BUSINESS leaders today vowed to fight to stop Weymouth and Dorchester falling prey to a new trend for look-a-like towns with the same shops.

Independent think-tank the New Economics Foundation warned that chain stores 'spread like weeds in the garden' and were turning traditional high streets into 'clone towns'.

Its new report says brand names have a leverage over local shops which is leading to loss of local identity and lack of choice for consumers.

It concludes larger chains are hostile to small independent businesses and damage local economies.

Dorchester's chamber of commerce chief executive, Derrick Buswell said the county town was different. He said: "We don't want to become a clone town - this is why there are plans for traffic and environmental changes, including the pedestrianisation of streets.

"We would like the streets to include features and street furniture, and hopefully this would encourage even more individual traders to come back into town and start giving us more character."

Mr Buswell said it would not be desirable to see the back of the big chains: "You have to have some of the big stores to get people into the town, but it is nice to get the individual traders because they're the ones that provide real choice."

He said Antelope Walk added character to Dorchester, with its narrow passage and variety of shops.

He said: "In the last few weeks there has been a real feel-good factor in the town - there's lots of people and there's been a really good atmosphere. We want to keep it going."

Chief executive of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Bill White, is also not convinced the resort is turning into an 'identikit' urban sprawl. He said: "It is not happening at the moment or in the foreseeable future, but we must guard against it in the future.

"We have a good mix of independent stores and chain stores and we want to preserve that for future generations.

"We do not look the same as other towns, we have the town centre next to the seafront, which is unusual.

"I hope the smaller businesses will carry on and prosper against the big boys."

Weymouth town centre councillor Joy Stanley said there was a decline in independent book and clothes shops.

Coun Stanley said: "Slowly over time, this is altering Weymouth - the big conglomerates are driving out smaller businesses and do not give individuals the chance to be entrepreneurs."

She added: "People need to support private traders if we are to stop this happening."