SHOP local and support small and independent businesses – that’s the call from Redditch MP Rachel Maclean.
The MP’s plea comes in a drive to help Redditch’s economy bounce back from the impact of coronavirus.
‘Non-essential’ shops were allowed to re-open in June as the Government began lifting some of the lockdown restrictions.
To help town centres re-open, it then gave Redditch £75,088 from the ‘Reopening High Streets Safely Fund’ to help local authoritiesd introduce a range of safety measures in a move to kick-start local economies, get people back to work and customers back to the shops.
And despite businesses in Redditch receiving a total of £13.2million in grants, the town’s small and independent businesses still need the support of shoppers to help them bounce back.
True to her word Mrs Maclean recently visited a number of businesses in Astwood Bank, including the Premier Shop, Pete the Meat – where she bought some of their mouthwaterign pork pies with Stilton and chutney – Destin Hair and the Bell Inn to hear directly from business owners about the impact of coronavirus, as well as to encourage residents to shop local.
“We know coronavirus has hit our economy hard, and despite the millions of pounds of grants businesses in Redditch have received, they will still need our support to help them bounce back,” she said.
“I’d encourage everyone to shop local and to support our town’s small and independent businesses.
“They are the backbone of Redditch’s economy so let’s support them as much as possible.”
From this Friday, July 24, face coverings will be mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England.
