'Give the High Street some love' says Shipston MP to townsfolk
Shipston’s MP is asking townsfolk to show their High Street some love – to keep it alive.
Manuela Perteghella, Shipston and Stratford-on-Avon MP, is appealing to constituents to help shopkeepers battle difficult times as trading conditions have worsened.
"It’s a local story being told nationwide - internet shopping, changing preferences and the cost-of-living crisis all play a part but rising rents and rates, energy bills, the cost of raw materials and increased taxes are pushing once thriving businesses to the brink of collapse," she said.
“In the next few weeks, I will be speaking at the budget where I will fight again for our high streets.
"The changes to taxation, especially around National Insurance have burdened businesses and prevented recruitment so there are things that the Government can do to make the landscape easier for high streets.
“On doorsteps across the constituency, this is a high-priority issue. People want a good choice of shops and products. Yet time is running out for lots of the high street favourites that we know and love.
“I have met with several small business owners recently – restaurateurs, hoteliers, retailers, salons and publicans and they all tell me they are struggling to keep their doors open. These people have poured their own money in, often at significant personal risk and I am sad to say there are businesses out there who feel that they cannot continue for much longer under current conditions.
“So today I am making a plea to constituents and visitors – please support your local high street by taking your business there. If we don’t use them, we lose them,” said Ms Perteghella.
“Shipston, Alcester, Stratford-upon-Avon – our towns need our support as local patrons and as we come up to Christmas, there’s an opportunity for us to vote with our wallets and support these shops. Village shops in places like Brailles, Studley and Tanworth-in-Arden and beyond need our support too.
“I will continue to fight for productive use of empty units, better maintenance of derelict shop fronts, a wider range of shops and for better conditions for businesses," she said.