Call to shop local now business has reopened

RESIDENTS are being urged to support their local shops as businesses reopen across Charnwood as the borough moves into Tier 3 restrictions.

National restrictions ended last week meaning all retail and non-essential retail can open for business.

Charnwood Borough Council wants local people to use their local shops – either on the high street or online – in the run-up to Christmas and help support local traders.

It is running its Shop Safe, Shop Local Christmas campaign to help get the message to people.

Cllr Shona Rattray (pictured), the Council’s lead member for business support, said: “The retail sector has been hit hard by the pandemic so this is a good opportunity for people to offer their support by getting Christmas gifts and goods from local shops if they can.

“Charnwood has some fantastic high streets, but they need your support, now more than ever. Before you buy online please consider whether you can get what you need from a local shop either online or in the high street. “Retailers have worked hard to make their shops Covid-secure and shoppers can help stay self by following the rules of hands, face, space.”

A recent survey by the Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign found some people were shopping more locally and Cllr Rattray is hoping this continues in the critical December period. Retailers were handed another boost this week after the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, announced the relaxation of local restrictions to enable retail opening hours to be extended in England for Christmas. Planning rules limiting opening hours will be eased to allow shops to be open for longer Monday to Saturday.

While being a boost to business, these measures will help ease transport pressures and make socially distanced shopping easier by giving people greater flexibility to choose when they shop and avoid peak times.

Mr Jenrick said: “None of us entirely enjoy navigating the crowds, especially now when social distancing is so important for controlling the pandemic. So, with these changes your local shops can open longer, ensuring more pleasant and safer shopping with less pressure on public transport.

“How long will be a choice for shopkeepers and at the discretion of the council. Councils should offer these hard-pressed entrepreneurs and businesses the greatest possible flexibility this festive season.

Charnwood Borough Council said it supported the announcement and would be understanding of retailers wishing to extend their hours.

However, shops were encouraged to consider the impact of any extended hours on their neighbours in terms of noise, queues, deliveries, lighting and anti-social behaviour, particularly late at night.

The council has also launched an online shopping website, offering local businesses the chance to join a virtual high street with a local twist.

Local businesses are being urged to sign up for free to help them showcase their business and trade online. All they need is a mobile phone and the rest is easy The new site – shoplocal.charnwood.gov.uk – already features local businesses but more are welcome. Visit shoplocal. charnwood.gov.uk for more.

Tier 3 restrictions mean:

■ You must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, including private gardens or at most outdoor venues

■ Rule of six applies to some outdoor public spaces, including parks, countryside accessible to the public and public gardens

■ Essential and non-essential shops will be open

■ Gyms and leisure centres will be open

■ Pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed unless they are offering takeaway, click-and-collect or delivery services.

Charnwood has some fantastic high streets, but they need your support, now more than ever Cllr Shona Rattray