Shop, eat and love local

North Lanarkshire Council is urging people to“shop, eat and love local”as the area continues to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The local authority has launched a new campaign – Think Local – to encourage residents to safely use the shops, cafes, restaurants and businesses in local communities and help them start to recover.

The initiative also aims to reassure the public about the enhanced hygiene and physical distancing measures in place in town centres and businesses.

“The last few months have been difficult for many businesses in our towns, with lockdown forcing some to close, cut staff or operate online only,”said Councillor Allan Graham, convener of the enterprise and growth committee.

“We want to let residents know our towns are open again and ask them to support local businesses and help them recover. It’s also important people know they can feel safe and relaxed when they’re out.

“Our towns have much to offer, from cafes and restaurants to shops and services, and the people who run them are part of our communities. So, please, when you’re considering where to shop and eat, think local; help our communities thrive, keep local businesses alive.”

The campaign will appeal to shoppers to follow physical distancing guidelines, be patient when queuing, wear a mask in centres and shops, avoid shopping at peak times and keep their hands clean.

There will be images on posters, billboards, buses and local newspapers and people can follow Facebook for news of their local town @ Myairdrie and @ Mycoatbridge. Visit www. northlanarkshire.gov.uk/ thinklocal for more.