Public urged to ‘shop local’ to help ‘struggling’ businesses

The public has been urged to shop local and help secure the future of businesses in Upper Bann.
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DUP MP Carla Lockhart said that with many businesses badly impacted as a result of COVID-19, she is encouraging people to buy local produce to help local retailers and producers survive these challenging market conditions.

“Many of our high streets have been ghost towns for the last couple of months, with so many businesses forced to close due to COVID-19 restrictions to protect public health. This has been devastating for many local retailers and other businesses. While for many Government has stepped up to provide much needed financial support, the impact of this period will be long lasting.”

She pointed out that many businesses are famly-run adding: “It would be awful to lose these businesses, who often go above and beyond in terms of service to their customers, and who can justifiably say that their produce is among the very best in the world.

“That is why as businesses begin to lift the shutters once again it is vitally important that we take the very conscious decision to shop local and buy local. As customers, we have the future of these businesses in our hands, and if we all decide to spend our money with the local business, then many will survive the economic tsunami that is coronavirus.”

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