Hartlepool independent businesses call for shoppers' support as they reopen after lockdown

With many non-essential shops being allowed to reopen from Monday, June 15, providing they follow government guidelines, the Mail is today calling on people to help independent traders thrive again after lockdown under the #SupportLocal banner.

Shops and businesses have faced financial hardship after being forced to shut up shop and furlough staff for more than 10 weeks.

Supporting the call is the Totally Locally Hartlepool businesses community and council chiefs.

Janice Auton, founder of Poppys Hairdressing in Hartlepool and Stockton and who works closely with the Totally Locally Hartlepool and Love Hartlepool campaigns, said: “As we move forward the success of the Hartlepool economy relies on you the Hartlepool community to shop local with ALL the businesses of every sector, every size in the borough of Hartlepool to secure the local economy.

“These are the businesses that employ your friends, your family and may give your children an opportunity of a great career.

“So please let’s be alert, control the virus, save lives and help the Hartlepool economy moving forward.”

Businesses have been making every effort to put safety measures in place, but Janice said it remains to be seen how confident shoppers will feel about returning straightaway.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, said: “It has always been really important for people to ‘buy local’ as much as possible to support the local economy, but never more so than now as more shops start to re-emerge from lockdown and valiantly work to repair the damage wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Shopping locally will be vital to that recovery.”

The council has been working closely with Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, retail parks and areas with high footfall to provide advice and support including on social distancing arrangements.

Coun Akers-Belcher said shoppers have a crucial role to play by abiding by social distancing in shops adding: “It’s vital that we all pull together to help Hartlepool get back to business.”

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