Politicians have pounded the pavements of Penygroes to encourage people to use local shops.

Arfon MP Hywel Williams and MS Siân Gwenllian are urging their constituents to back their high streets by shopping locally, and repay both the small, independent traders who remained open throughout lockdown and businesses reopening for the first time in several months.    

Following a series of visits to businesses across the constituency, the local representatives paid tribute to the significant steps taken by retailers to adapt their stores and services to accommodate social distancing measures so that customers can shop safely.    

Mr Williams and Ms Gwenllian said: “Many of our small, local businesses have been at the frontline of the community response to Covid-19, staying open throughout to provide essential food supplies, fresh produce, day-to-day items and helping the elderly and vulnerable.

“As we continue to emerge from lockdown, these small, independent traders deserve our support now more than ever. From cafés to butchers, newsagents to hair salons, we need to do all we can to back these businesses and help secure their future post-Covid.     

“Having visited many local businesses over the past few weeks, what is clear is that each and every one of them has taken significant steps to adapt their stores so that people can shop safely, which in turn will help to reboot public confidence.

“Whenever possible, do your shopping locally,” they added. “From your weekly grocery shop to having your hair cut, every time you spend money at one of our small, independent shops, it directly helps our local economy. You won’t get the same personal touch at the larger stores or online.

“There remains uncertainty at what the future holds for many high street retailers. That is why keeping the pound local has never been so important. 

“Whilst there is a lot more government can do to support local businesses, we as shoppers can also do our bit to support our independent retailers during these tough times.”