Baldwin backs independent traders

Buy photos » MP Harriett Baldwin has urged members of the public to shop locally this Christmas. (s)

WEST Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has shown the importance of shopping local after making a special visit to Pershore last weekend.

Mrs Baldwin was given a whistle stop tour of the town’s independent shops on Saturday (November 24) which was arranged by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

During the visit, the MP was able to discuss the festive shopping season with Federation members and traders in the town while picking up a number of gifts for her friends and family.

“My schedule means that it is very difficult to get time to do my Christmas shopping so this was a great opportunity to keep my business with local stores and tick some gifts off my list," she said.

“Local stores tend to focus on selling local produce and I am keen to lend my support to any efforts to persuade people to shop near to home.

“I hope the people of Pershore join all of my constituents by trying to shop locally as much as possible this year.”

Judi Brazkiewicz, FSB Chairman for Worcestershire, said: “Although our MP Christmas shopping day was a bit of fun, the whole issue around shop-ping locally is a very serious one.

“Customers have the power to support local shops and in doing so do much more than simply buy goods.

“Retailers work in an increasingly competitive world, as customers we, collectively, have the means to help keep our town centres open, local people in work and our shops vibrant and interesting places to visit."

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