Hartlepool shoppers urged to support local to help protect jobs and aid town's economy

This week is Shop Local Week, promoted by the Government which encouraged shoppers to support their local high street saying it is now safe to go back.

The initiative is also part of their summer-long #EnjoySummerSafely umbrella campaign which aims to inspire the public to begin to get back to the things they have missed whilst following Covid-19 safety guidelines.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, said: “The authority is a strong supporter of the Shop Local principle and has been for some time, actively campaigning to support smaller businesses across the Borough.

“Statistics show that there are clear benefits in terms of boosting the local economies and creating and protecting jobs when shoppers rediscover and support their local independent shops.

“I would encourage people to support this campaign, but it is also important that we all continue to shop local as often as possible on an on-going basis to maximise the benefits for the Borough.”

Town shops and businesses have put numerous safety measures in place to make premises as covid-secure as possible including hand sanitising stations, social distancing and the wearing of face coverings.

Hartlepool Borough Council's comments were backed by Janice Auton of the Totally Locally Hartlepool, a group run voluntarily by Hartlepool business owners to encourage people to shop at local independent businesses.

She said all of the businesses had worked hard to create a safe environment, and added: “If every adult in Hartlepool spent £5 per week in their local shops and businesses, instead of online, at a national chain or at the big supermarket, it would be worth £20 million going directly into the local economy, back into our town.

"This means more jobs, a stronger economy and security for those we employ.”

The Hartlepool Mail is also urging shoppers to support independent businesses as they come out of lockdown in our #SupportLocal campaign.

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