West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has urged local people to shop in local independent shops as more businesses re-open after the coronavirus crisis. Harriett has been visiting retailers across her rural constituency and chatted to shoppers in Malvern, Tenbury, Pershore and Upton-upon-Severn who have chosen local farm shops and local suppliers to source their groceries. During the early phases of the lockdown supermarket delivery slots were at a premium and people relied on local retailers, farm shops and local food producers to keep their shelves stocked. Harriett praised the work of the local authorities which have moved swiftly to help local businesses with discretionary grants to help those who were not able to access a formal Government scheme. But, according to figures from Lloyds Bank, consumer spending fell by an average of 19 per cent per person across West Worcestershire and average spend on commuting has fallen by 71 per cent. Harriett commented: “I’ve been pleased that we have been able act swiftly on a local level to help as many businesses as possible but now we need people to do their bit and help to kick start the economy by going on a shopping trip, enjoying a meal out or booking a ‘staycation’. “ONS data and figures released by the banks show that a sizeable group of people have been able to save money during lockdown and I hope that, as conditions improve across the country, those people who can afford it, will do their bit and splash a little cash. “Of course, there are still people who have not been able to access help or who have lost their jobs and I will continue to work closely with the local Jobcentre to help those in need as best as I can. “But local businesses really need local customers are I hope that over the summer, people will be encouraged to return to normal and enjoy summer safely.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP with Malvern Meat Company butcher James Torrance.