Why your city needs you... PT campaign to support safe shopping

As a local newspaper, we have reported on the personal tragedies of those affected by the virus. We’ve applauded the fantastic efforts of our Health Heroes and key workers across the county. We’ve highlighted the amazing community spirit that has emerged and we have supported shops and businesses as they battled to keep trading.

This week, we launch a new campaign that ramps up that support – Your City Needs You.

The impact on the local economy has been devastating.

With enforced closures of pubs, cafes and entertainment venues, and the quiet streets of our town centre, many independent traders are at the brink of despair.

As elements of the lockdown regulations are eased, the last week has seen more and more businesses start the slow process of reopening.

And now is the time to show your support for them. They need you more than ever if they are to survive in the future. Our independent businesses are the heart of Peterborough. They are what make us unique. They set us apart from other towns up and down the country. And they need us to help them survive.

It’s not just independent traders that need our support. All the major retailers that help make our city centre and shopping complexes a success need support. Our campaign will also focus on our pubs, clubs and entertainment venues. This is the time to stand united and support those who make Peterborough special.

We must do it safely and with care... the pandemic is far from over. But together we can all help Peterborough’s economy get back on its feet.

This week we are looking at safe shopping and how businesses are re-opening next week. We will also be carrying regular updates and information from local traders on their plans.

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow is backing the PT’s campaign.

He said: “I applaud the Peterborough Telegraph campaign to shop local and support businesses and restaurants. At a tough time they have been resilient, resourceful and innovative surviving on takeaway orders and people working for little or no pay. We have some awesome businesses in our city and they deserve our support!”

North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara also voiced his support: “These are difficult times for all of us and for many there is the additional worry of keeping businesses going. Our local retailers play a central role in our communities and it’s important that we try to support them as much as possible.

“I would urge people to shop locally whenever they are able to do so. But in doing so I would also urge them to maintain social distancing because the deadly coronovirus is still with us. Shopping won’t be the same as it was before, and it certainly won’t be quicker, but by being responsible and careful we can and we will get through this crisis.”

Entrepreneur Neville Wright, who with his wife Marilyn, founded Peterborough retail success Kiddicare, said: “I feel that people really do need to get out there and support our retailers. Without a thriving economy, people will be in real trouble in six months’ time.

He added: “We can’t wait to go shopping. We need a new barbecue, patio set and clothes.

“But I feel everyone seems so serious these days. I hope people just relax and make sure they enjoy the shopping experience.”

John Bridge, chief executive of Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, said: “We need to renew our economy - it’s really important. The only way to do it will be to go out and support our local businesses- and retailers in particular. Peterborough has a fantastic retail offer. And while people may have found it convenient to buy online, it is important for us to think about how we share out our expenditure and show that we do value the retailers that are close to us and that we want to see them remain in place.”