Backing local shops is no small gesture

MAKE every day a small business day in the run-up to Christmas - and in the New Year!

Small Business Saturday on December 5 should not just be an annual event to promote the virtues of shopping with small and local businesses.

I am asking local shoppers to consider giving more of their custom to smaller independent shops across their neighbourhood/community, instead of patronising large store chains or buying gifts from online megastores.

Shopping in a small store is more friendly, more personable and more fun.

There is not much joy in fighting your way through Christmas crowds in a large department store and shopping online means you are denying yourself another opportunity for social interaction.

Your local independent shops and small businesses are the lifeblood of your community, offering a range of goods and services t vital to customers. Yet 2020 has been a horrible year for many of them financially.

Instead of backing the owner of Amazon and similar sites, who frankly don’t need the money, why don’t you instead support your local businesses?

You will help keep local people in work and help support your local high street - but you will also get a good deal based on personal service from people who pay their taxes here.

If you do go into the city centre do find time to visit the locally-owned and run shops in the Grainger Market, which is still open for business despite essential maintenance work.

ROBIN ASHBY, Newcastle Liberal Democrats Business

spokesperson