MP pushes case for more aid for our high streets
ASHBOURNE’S MP Sarah Dines has used a slot during Prime Minister’s Questions to raise the need to support local businesses as the nation moved into the next phase of the roadmap out of lockdown.
The Derbyshire Dales MP spoke out in Parliament last Wednesday to urge the prime minister, along with politicians and the public, to emphasise how important it is to use our high streets as they recover from a series of lockdowns.
She said: “It has been wonderful to receive reports from local businesses, pubs and shops on how well the reopening of their businesses have gone, as we enter the next stage of our roadmap out of lockdown.
“I have loved hearing from constituents about haircuts, new clothes and pints of beer.
“When we buy from local businesses we are supporting a local entrepreneur, we are encouraging more local jobs to be created as these businesses expand and we are putting money directly back into the local economy.
“As we recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, shopping locally and supporting local businesses is going to be more important than ever before.
“If we don’t use local shops, they will close and would be greatly missed by the local community when they are gone.
“Sometimes it can feel easier to buy online and during the pandemic online shopping has supported many local people, but I do encourage you to return to shopping in our community.
“The shops are all following strict guidelines and it does feel very safe and secure to be back out in our local area.
“Our local businesses need our support, so please, if you can, do your shopping locally and let’s get our local economy moving.”
The Government has pledged to invest money into a “Future High Street Fund” to encourage the regeneration of high streets right across the country, though details are awaited.