Concern over the future of independent newsagents

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen is calling on the Government to do more to help independent newsagents following a number of incidents of retail crime at Rochdale stores.

Mr Rowen voiced his concerns after attending a meeting in London with the National Federation of Newsagents (NFRN).

The NFRN represents over 30,000 independent newsagents across the UK and Ireland to help them compete more effectively in today’s highly challenging marketplace through practical help and assistance, commercial support, deals and buying opportunities, training expertise and services.

Paul Rowen said: “The meeting with the NFRN provided a real insight into the key issues that independent retailers are facing today. We talked about business crime, sustainability, self regulation in the newspaper and magazine industry and the proposed tobacco display ban. What struck me was how ill-defined retail crime is and how in-effective our Government has been on dealing with this issue.

"There has unfortunately been many instances across Rochdale of independent newsagents and retailers that have been the victims of retail crime and this is something that I will be taking up with the Government.

“Newsagents, like our Post Offices, are often at the heart of communities and I am urging our Government to provide greater support to them during these hard economic times."

Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Alan Taylor, said: “Individual retailers and newsagents are an integral part to not only our town centres but across the whole of our Borough. The Council is doing everything it can to support individual retailers during these harsh economic times. For example, we are currently hosting a series of support surgeries where business owners can come along and obtain free advice on how to improve or start their own businesses.

"As a council, we will continue to show our support for local businesses by providing as much practical and financial advice as possible.”