One of the things you have to admit about Bath is that the most has been made of many of the attributes bestowed by nature.

In fact, the importance of the immediate surrounding countryside is recognised in the World Heritage award.

That's why it is so surprising that for many years we have turned our backs on a wonderful gem – the river.

In fact, the river and the possibility of it flooding, has actually been something of a brake on development, leaving riverside sites blighted instead of being high-value property points.

The council is looking at ways of reducing those risks and playing a big part in helping economic growth.

Chamber members have been talking about this for some time and our Economic Development Committee recently heard from fellow member, local architect, Edward Nash, who has been involved with a group which has been considering the river economy.

Additional support for the kind of issue being discussed also came from the Independent newspaper's travel editor Simon Calder in a presentation about the benefits Bath possessed and the challenges it faced as a tourist destination.

He talked about the river and just what a terrific feature it should be for Bath, attracting not only visitors, but giving enjoyment to those who live and work in the city all the year round.

One of his whackier ideas was to try out a "Park and Float" scheme where people left their cars at Newbridge and then hopped on a boat to take them into the city centre.

There may be logistical problems with that sort of idea but it should start us thinking about just how many creative and different ways we could use the river.

There could be more leisure and sporting activity if improvements were made to the banks and the riverside environment.

That would draw more people to the river which in turn would attract businesses to provide places to sit and take refreshments.

I know that the people wanting to create new buildings, such as the potential new Bath Rugby stand, are keen to design them in such a way as elements look towards the river and not simply offer a blank, concrete wall.

Just think what a difference it would make if new office buildings, which we all want to see, could provide a view on to the river.

It would provide a wonderful environment for the people working within them and provide a proper setting for what should be Bath's jewel, flowing through the city centre.

It can't be done tomorrow, or even the next day. But it should be something that we keep in our minds as a long-term ambition and it could be considered whenever a new development is being planned.

If you would like to know more about Bath Chamber of Commerce please contact me at info@bathchamber.co.uk.