MP Talks Shop in Swindon
10 Apr 2007
South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove has visited her local Co-op on Groundswell Road. The meeting was organised by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and was an opportunity for Mrs Snelgrove to show her support for retailers in Swindon.
This is the latest store visit as part of an ongoing programme by ACS, who represent over 32,000 local shops throughout the UK, to promote grass roots lobbying by local retailers.
Mrs Snelgrove said: “I am always pleased to visit retailers in my constituency. Meeting the manager, Gareth, was very interesting, especially as it is my local shop. I already know a lot of the staff there but it was good to speak to them as their MP rather than a customer. We discussed a lot of issues that were important to the store, such as crime, which is a problem for many retailers. The Co-op and the local Police have a good working relationship, and it is good to see such co-operation to improve the community. We also discussed how local shops can compete with larger supermarkets by providing high quality, fresh produce.
“The Co-op Swift store is at the heart of our community and deserves the support of the Government and the neighbourhood it serve.”
ACS Public Affairs and Communication Manager Shane Brennan said: “There is no substitute for a politician coming to a local shop and seeing for themselves the issues that they face. By showing MPs what convenience stores have to offer, we can build support in Parliament. I would encourage all convenience stores to follow the Co-op’s lead, and invite their MP to visit their store to share their views on key issues.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/07921 372 978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The Campaign Champions programme was launched in June 2004 to encourage retailers to lobby their MPs locally in support of ACS campaigns.
3. Anne Snelgrove is a Labour MP for South Swindon.
4. The visit took place at the Co-op Swift store on 5 April at 11:30 am.
This is the latest store visit as part of an ongoing programme by ACS, who represent over 32,000 local shops throughout the UK, to promote grass roots lobbying by local retailers.
Mrs Snelgrove said: “I am always pleased to visit retailers in my constituency. Meeting the manager, Gareth, was very interesting, especially as it is my local shop. I already know a lot of the staff there but it was good to speak to them as their MP rather than a customer. We discussed a lot of issues that were important to the store, such as crime, which is a problem for many retailers. The Co-op and the local Police have a good working relationship, and it is good to see such co-operation to improve the community. We also discussed how local shops can compete with larger supermarkets by providing high quality, fresh produce.
“The Co-op Swift store is at the heart of our community and deserves the support of the Government and the neighbourhood it serve.”
ACS Public Affairs and Communication Manager Shane Brennan said: “There is no substitute for a politician coming to a local shop and seeing for themselves the issues that they face. By showing MPs what convenience stores have to offer, we can build support in Parliament. I would encourage all convenience stores to follow the Co-op’s lead, and invite their MP to visit their store to share their views on key issues.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001/07921 372 978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The Campaign Champions programme was launched in June 2004 to encourage retailers to lobby their MPs locally in support of ACS campaigns.
3. Anne Snelgrove is a Labour MP for South Swindon.
4. The visit took place at the Co-op Swift store on 5 April at 11:30 am.