Give town’s shops a festive shot in the arm

CHRISTMAS is a busy time of year for those who run businesses in the town.

Our independent shops, pubs and cafés give the town its identity and we must applaud the people – staff and owners – who give it their all at this time of year.

But as we all know, the high street is facing a struggle.

Our shopping habits have changed and more and more retailers are facing a daunting challenge in the wake of the internet shopping boom.

So while our unsung heroes, the postmen and women of the town, are facing a busy few weeks, delivering the many presents we’ve bought online, every box and parcel that comes through our door is a missed sale in our local shops.

If you haven’t already done so, take your Christmas present list away from your desk and head out into town with it.

Have a look round the shops in Ashbourne to see if those last-minute items for people you’ve struggled to buy for are lying in wait in one of our stores.

There’s no reason not to shop in Ashbourne this festive season. Parking is free after 2pm, there are plenty of bargains to be had, and buying from an independent shop props up someone’s livelihood, rather than a shareholder’s annual statement.

And while you’re in town grabbing fresh vegetables from a greengrocer, fresh meat from a butcher, or even just a bag of mince pies, call into one of our pubs or cafes for refreshment. They need us, too.

It’s hard to see what the future of the high street might be. And it’s easy to paint a grim picture. But Ashbourne still offers plenty of choice for shoppers and we should all embrace that.

After all, as the old saying goes: “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.”