Christmas shoppers urged to think local

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The Littleborough Farmers Market

With the festive period just around the corner, the CLA in the North is urging shoppers to support local rural businesses this Christmas.

The call comes ahead of Small Business Saturday, a grassroots campaign to encourage consumers to 'buy local', which will be taking place on the first shopping Saturday in December (5 December).

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: “Small independent shops are the lifeblood of rural communities yet they often struggle to compete with online sellers and large out-of-town retailers.

“A good festive season can help ensure that local businesses survive and maintain vital jobs and services through quieter times of the year.”

MPs have also tabled a Westminster Hall debate for this afternoon (Tuesday 1 December) to discuss the merits of Small Business Saturday.

Miss Fairburn added: “We are delighted to support Small Business Saturday and I urge shoppers to avoid traffic queues, expensive parking and packed pavements this weekend.

“Instead, they should explore what's on offer in farm shops, village stores, farmers' markets or in our market towns where traditional, independent shops are still plentiful.”