George welcomes plans to save local high streets

The MP for the St Ives Constituency, covering West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Andrew George, today put his weight behind local people working together to provide sustainable futures for West Cornwall’s high streets.

Mr George issued his call after a Government commissioned report into how government, businesses, and communities can better work together to promote prosperous and diverse high streets in town centres across the country was published this morning. Mr George also vowed to put pressure on Government to respond to the report’s recommendations quickly and positively.

The report was led by leading retail market consultant Mary Portas. The published report contains 28 recommendations for freeing up the potential of local high streets with a focus on levelling the playing field for small retailers and businesses; mobilising landlords and communities; and acting to address the ongoing management of our town centres.

Commenting Mr George said:

“I warmly welcome the recommendations of the Portas Report. A healthy high street is one of the key elements of a successful, sustainable local community.

“Many of the report’s recommendations require action from Government. I will be calling on Ministers to take the necessary steps to ensure that Whitehall uses regulations and guidance to support the local and independent traders that give a high street its diversity and vitality.

“However, there is work to be done closer to home too. I am keen to support the setting up of ‘Town Teams’ to champion West Cornwall’s town centres. Small and independent traders of Helston, Penzance, St Ives, and others deserve our support to fight back against the overwhelming power of the out of town supermarkets.

“This report provides a clear path to a brighter future for our high streets and we can all start doing our bit today by supporting small local traders as we do our Christmas shopping. As someone once said ‘every little helps’!”