MP Talks Shop in Arlesey
13 Apr 2007
North East Bedfordshire MP Alistair Burt visited Arlesey Superstore on Thursday (12th) to show his support for local shops serving the community.
Arlesey Superstore, owned by Mr Mann, is a prime example of a neighbourhood shop run by a local family. Mr Mann and his family have owned and run the store for 16 years and are well established within the community.
The future of local shops and their ability to compete in the grocery market is currently a matter of significant debate in Parliament and Mr Burt’s visit gave him an insight into the issues that local shops face.
Mr Mann spent an hour discussing various issues concerning his business and neighbourhood with his MP, including the Government’s strategy on the future of the Post Office and the Sustainable Communities Bill, which is designed to give local councils and communities more control over planning decisions in their area and a greater say on local spending priorities.
Alistair Burt said: “I have visited a number of local stores and Post Offices in my constituency during the past few months, and it has been a delight to meet Mr Mann and see the Arlesey Superstore thriving and serving this community. I know what a lifeline stores and Post offices are for our villages. Our rural communities have not been well served by this Government and I will continue to support our village services wherever I can.”
Mr Mann said: “I am proud to serve the community in Arlesey and believe passionately that independent shops are best at serving local needs. Our Post Office is a vital service for many members of our community and Mr Burt listened to and understood the reasons for needing it here long term. I was glad to host Mr Burt and welcome his commitment to local business.”
ACS Public Affairs and Communication Manager Shane Brennan, who attended the visit, 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 Mr Mann’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. Alistair Burt is the Conservative MP for North East Bedfordshire.
4. The visit took place at the Arlesey Superstore, 82 House Lane, Arlesey Bedford, SG15 6XX at 2pm.
Arlesey Superstore, owned by Mr Mann, is a prime example of a neighbourhood shop run by a local family. Mr Mann and his family have owned and run the store for 16 years and are well established within the community.
The future of local shops and their ability to compete in the grocery market is currently a matter of significant debate in Parliament and Mr Burt’s visit gave him an insight into the issues that local shops face.
Mr Mann spent an hour discussing various issues concerning his business and neighbourhood with his MP, including the Government’s strategy on the future of the Post Office and the Sustainable Communities Bill, which is designed to give local councils and communities more control over planning decisions in their area and a greater say on local spending priorities.
Alistair Burt said: “I have visited a number of local stores and Post Offices in my constituency during the past few months, and it has been a delight to meet Mr Mann and see the Arlesey Superstore thriving and serving this community. I know what a lifeline stores and Post offices are for our villages. Our rural communities have not been well served by this Government and I will continue to support our village services wherever I can.”
Mr Mann said: “I am proud to serve the community in Arlesey and believe passionately that independent shops are best at serving local needs. Our Post Office is a vital service for many members of our community and Mr Burt listened to and understood the reasons for needing it here long term. I was glad to host Mr Burt and welcome his commitment to local business.”
ACS Public Affairs and Communication Manager Shane Brennan, who attended the visit, 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 Mr Mann’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. Alistair Burt is the Conservative MP for North East Bedfordshire.
4. The visit took place at the Arlesey Superstore, 82 House Lane, Arlesey Bedford, SG15 6XX at 2pm.