Loss of local shops 'could damage communities'

Shoppers fear that losing local stores will damage their communities, according to a new survey.

In a poll of over 1,000 people, commissioned by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), 65% of respondents reported that there were now fewer shops on their high street than there were 12 months ago, with 80% saying that out-of-town supermarkets posed a threat to local trade.

Some 82% also expressed fears that a loss of local stores would have a negative impact on their community.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: "Local shops are at the heart of their communities and act as a key indicator of the vitality and health of our local communities. People recognise and value their local shops."

Looking ahead to a meeting this afternoon between the owners of small shops and politicians responsible for the retail sector, he added: "The decisions politicians make in coming months will be crucial in ensuring that local shops survive, local communities thrive and the feel-good factor returns to the UK economy."

The ACS survey comes a month after Tesco temporarily withdrew its plans to build a superstore outside a small Yorkshire town, following a spirited campaign by local trades-people and residents.

Over 1,200 people wrote to Kirklees Council objecting to the planning application for a site outside Holmfirth, the setting for the long-running BBC series Last of the Summer Wine.

Organisers of Keep Holmfirth Special have said that they are committed to improving the range of goods on offer in the town, as well as facilities and services in the area, from a grass-roots level.