Bridport trade leader urges people to 'shop local' (From Thisisdorset)

Bridport trade leader urges people to 'shop local'

8:20am Sunday 11th January 2009 in

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THE FREEZE on short stay car parking charges across West Dorset has been welcomed by Bridport traders.

They say the district council’s decision to peg rates for the fourth consecutive year is a sensible one, with high street businesses facing one of their toughest times.

Mike Harvey, president of Bridport Chamber of Commerce, said they fully supported the council’s initiative to help boost town centre trade.

He said: “It is a sensible approach… we also hope the expansion of the football club ‘park and walk’ car park will be complete in time for Easter.”

Now Mr Harvey says they need to work together to ensure that Bridport’s unique shopping centre weathers the deepening economic storm.

“Despite all the gloom amongst the national chain retailers, Bridport is one of those few places where you are not faced with the usual drudgery of the same old shops selling the same old stuff, sold by the same disinterested staff,” he said.

“What I find refreshing about shopping in Bridport is that I know many of the shopkeepers and their staff personally, and if I go into any particular shop more than a few times I am recognised and greeted.

“It is a short trip into town, and if I have any trouble with anything I have bought, it is a short trip back to the shop to get it replaced. It’s much cheaper on fuel.

“We have an active town council that we can be proud of, and we saw it at its best in its organisation of the Christmas festival.

“Let us hope that we can all work together to make sure Bridport remains a thriving, enjoyable and safe place to live throughout 2009 by keeping our money spent locally.”