Christmas shoppers urged to buy locally

By Jenny Barwise

Last updated 12:58, Friday, 10 October 2008

Business and civic leaders in west Cumbria have appealed to shoppers to spend locally after experts predicted the worst Christmas on the High Street for decades.

Just days after the government pledged £500 billion in a bid to rescue Britain’s wounded banking system, community leaders from across Cumbria have spoken of the need to support the county’s economy.

Consumer spending across the country has slowed, hit by higher household bills and a mood of nervousness among shoppers.

Retail experts are now predicting that the period leading up to Christmas could be the worst since the recession of the early 1980s.

Dave Fletcher, development manager for Workington Town Centre, said that people have already started Christmas shopping.

He said: “We have got everything here in Workington that people need. Why spend the money travelling to places like Newcastle when you can shop locally.”

Martin Gerrish, owner of The Tenth Bull, on James Street, Whitehaven, said that he thinks people will be shopping in local shops this year, as they will be looking for more unique gifts.

Mr Gerrish, a member of Enterprise Whitehaven, which brings together different trade groups to benefit the town, said: “People will think twice about driving to Carlisle and Newcastle because of the cost of fuel and I think they will be shopping locally for things that are a little bit different.”

The leader of Copeland Council, Elaine Woodburn, said that the council is working closely with Enterprise Whitehaven to attract Christmas shoppers to the town.

She added: “The local community has always supported the local businesses and you will always be able to buy the best locally.

“We are in difficult economic times, but I am confident that the local community will rally round.”

A monthly farmers’ and craft market starts tomorrow in the United Reformed Church hall in Whitehaven.