Kemi Badenoch, the MP for Saffron Walden, spent Saturday meeting with local businesses in Dunmow discussing the importance of supporting the high street.
Mrs Badenoch was there as part of Small Business Saturday, a campaign which encourages people to 'shop local' and back small businesses in their communities.
“I was glad to have been in Dunmow to talk to local business owners about their concerns,' Mrs Badenoch said. "The businesses I met all had the same worries: they are worried about footfall going down, about how they can draw-in new customers, and how they are going to compete with the big online retailers, especially during the sale season.
“With all of our high streets, whether in Dunmow, Saffron Walden or Chelmsford, under increasing pressure, it is important that we all remember our local shops as online giants come to dominate more of the UK market.
“The Government is doing what it can and, in the budget, there was a cut to business rates and there was £675 million given to support councils revamp their high streets.
“Now, we can play our part too. By going out and shopping locally, high streets like Dunmow will not only survive, they will thrive. The more we spend locally, not only will businesses prosper, but jobs will be created and our local economy can boom. This is the whole point of Small Business Saturday.
“I encourage everyone to go out and do their Christmas shopping at your local shops and play your part in helping to make the high street the heart of the community once again.”
Picture: Kemi Badenoch MP (right) with Carole Waters of Lloyd Waters, Dunmow
