WCYT

THE high street is the lifeblood of any community. It's where people meet; it's where they shop; it's where they socialise and that is every reason for preserving it. Many communities have been devastated by the loss of their local post office, by the closure of their local butcher, baker or candlestick maker. And to add to the problem regional shopping complexes like Lakeside and Bluewater can often strike a fatal wound into the heart of many local shopping centres.

Well Rochford District Council is fighting back with a vengeance and waging a campaign to ensure that local shops, local tradesmen and therefore local jobs are saved. They have launched the Shop At My Local Partnership which will deliver a range of projects and assistance that will encourage residents and businesses to buy locally and that will
facilitate local supply chains.

The campaign will work to ensure that the District's shopping areas meet their full potential by creating thriving community centres, unique and enjoyable shopping and a social experience.

The aim of the campaign is to:
•Deliver initiatives and events that attract people to the main shopping areas
•Become a forum to engage local stake-holders in discussion and collaboration
•Shape and influence organisational agendas to develop a shared strategic approach to main shopping area and development
•Facilitate access to funding and resource opportunities to enhance
shopping areas
•Help to deliver cleaner, greener and more attractive shopping areas

Why you should shop locally
•Shopping locally keeps the heart in the town
•Local shops are so friendly and convenient
•It will keep me in work
•To keep the village!
•I think local shops are vital to our community
•I love Rayleigh
•I like to support local businesses and the local town
•It is important to retain the local shops and the community
•I'm local!
•I don't want the village to disappear
•I like to support my local shops
•I don't drive
•I want to support local traders
•We need to keep our local shops. More shops=more jobs and benefits local people

Make sure you ensure Rochford survives as a local shopping centre by signing up at http://www.shopatmylocal.com

WCYT

A community interest company keeping vulnerable residents in Essex safe from rogue tradesmen and doorstep conmen

www.whocanyoutrust.org.uk

Make sure your local shops stay open

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