Warwick residents urged to shop support local business during lockdown and Christmas period

Residents in Warwick are being urged to support their local businesses during the second lockdown and into the Christmas period.

With a second lockdown heading for England many businesses will have to close their doors but some will be able to operate as they did during the first lockdown.

Now residents are being urged to support the independent shops and businesses like they did before.

Sue Butcher, Chair of Warwick Chamber of Trade, said: "This is going to be a challenging time for businesses - just as they were getting back on their feet.

"But we have got the experience of how our independents became very creative by doing collection services, deliveries and so we have that now going forward and hopefully it will keep them in good stead.

"We are pleading for people to use the independents during lockdown so hopefully they can get back on their feet when lockdown ends - they are there and all still doing what they can.

"So many businesses have things in place where you can collect goods - whether that's click and collect or phone and collect.

"We need people to support these businesses like they did before.

"We are pleased that the Government has extended the furlough scheme but we would like to see more grants if this is going to continue any longer as furlough will pay for staff but it won't help businesses pay the rent on their business properties.

The second lockdown comes at a time when businesses would usually be gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year and the Chamber of Trade is urging people to think local.

Sue added: "This is going to hit the hospitality sector hard but some will be able to do takeaway like before so hopefully people will support that.

"We are really urging people to shop local and support them - a lot are still trading.

"It is all very worrying for businesses - not knowing if it will just be a month, no one really knows. We hope it is and that we get two to three weeks in before Christmas but we just don't know.

"So don't go online - think about the small shops - a lot of businesses all have websites and social media so continue to use them."