ACS

People are fearing for the stability and integrity of their local communities as they have seen local shops disappearing from their highstreets and local areas .

A poll commissoned by ACS showed that 82% of people feel that a reduction in the number of local shops in their area has a negative impact on the local community. It also revealed that people across the country have seen a spate of shop closures with over two thirds reporting that there are fewer shops in their local area than there were a year ago.

In the same study, 80% of those polled expressed real worries about the impact that new out of town supermarket developments will have on their local high streets.

These findings have been unveiled as local shop owners from across the UK head to London for a crucial conference where they will have the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with politicians involved with the retail sector. At the event, retailers will unveil their ten point plan which outlines measures which Government and politicians need to take to ensure local shops can weather the economic storm and emerge healthily as the country emerges from recession.

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. The decision politicians make in coming months will be crucial in ensuring that local shops survive, local communities thrive and the feelgood factor returns to the UK economy.

“Local shops will play a vital role in helping the country recover from recession and are central to any ambition to build successful and sustainable communities. The ten point plan unveiled by retailers today will make clear what is needed to support a thriving local shop sector.”