St Albans Conservative Association has encouraged people in in St Albans to join them in showing their support for in St Albans by shopping locally for High Street Saturday on 16 March.
High Street Saturday, a new campaign day, aims to celebrate the place of high streets at the heart of communities like St Albans across the country. As part of the day, local people are being encouraged to:
- Pledge to shop locally on High Street Saturday
- Share photos and messages online using #HighStreetSaturday
- Encourage local councils to make good use of the Future High Street Fund, provided by the Government to make high streets and town centres fit for the future.
High streets have long been a place to bring communities together, a place for local people to access vital services and a place for businesses to thrive. But, the Government recognises that it is becoming harder for businesses on high streets across the country to compete with out-of-town shopping centres and online retailers. That’s why the Conservatives in government have:
- Delivered over £10 billion of business rates support since 2016, including cutting small retailers’ bills by a third.
- Backed community leaders with £675 million of funding to help modernise their high streets and town centres.
- Relaxed planning rules to support new homes on the high street, transforming them into community hubs where people work, live and shop.
High Street Saturday is a chance for local people to come together to celebrate and support the high streets at the heart of their local communities.
Commenting, Claudio Duran, Chairman of St Albans Conservative Association said:
“High streets like St Peter’s Street, French Row, Catherine Street and others are instrumental in bringing people together – acting as a meeting place for friends and families and supporting jobs for local people.
“But, as the retail market changes, I am encouraging people across St Albans to join me and Conservatives across the country on 16 March in pledging to shop locally to support the independent businesses we all know and love.
“The Conservatives in Government are determined to support our high streets by taking action on business rates, supporting high streets to modernise and helping to transform empty shops into new homes.”
Commenting, Alec Campbell, St Peter’s Ward Councillor said:
“While the changing retail market has been challenging for businesses to adapt to as more people head to out-of-town shopping centre and online, support on business rates for small businesses has helped to ensure we can continue trading in St Albans City centre.
“It’s great to see the Government prioritising this and dedicating a national campaign day.”