One of the posters put out by the NLP in support of Local Shops

The Sunday trading laws were waived because of the Olympics. Now the Coalition want to waive them permanently, which might be seen as a further nail in the coffin for small family shops! A report in the Sunday Telegraph suggests that such moves will be fought by an alternative coalition of unions, small businesses and the church! Multiples (Supermarkets) are allowed to do some limited trade on Sundays at the moment but that is not enough as it seems that the government wants them to be open 24/7 and 365 days a year!

The bigger picture is a declining number of shops (and pubs) as town centres slowly die or survive around a supermarket. It is the way modern society has gone, cheaper and convenient. Yet, the loss of our town centres as thriving shopping centres has other negative spin-offs, increased vandalism, a shrinking community spirit, reduced choice and a larger carbon footprint as we travel further afield for our purchases. The shopping centres played an important role as the glue that help maintain our community spirit.

The National Liberal Party has campaigned in favour of small shops as we believe they are part of the that mix. We would like to see a balance restored where these can centres thrive again. Councils and government can play a part through tax breaks and investment and you can do so too by, wherever possible, shopping local!