In this week’s Westminster Diary, Mrs Maclean said:
“WITH shops now allowed to re-open, it’s more important than ever that we support Redditch’s small and independent businesses as they recover from the impact of coronavirus.
Redditch has benefited from a new £50 million fund to support the town’s high street get safely back to business.
To prepare for the reopening of non-essential retail earlier this month, Redditch Borough Council was given £75,088 from the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund to help the council introduce a range of safety measures in a move to kick-start local economies.
I was out and about in Redditch last Friday and shops and businesses have put in place great social distancing measures, allowing us all to shop in a safe way, whilst also protecting staff at the same time.
It was great to get out and support local businesses as they re-open.
So, whether you’re heading down to the Kingfisher for a stroll around the centre, or visiting one of our local centres where you will find a unique mix of independent retailers as well, or whether you are in our town, the message is it’s safe to shop.
Last Friday I was also visited the Cycle Studio.
Bike shops have been open throughout the pandemic, but the Cycle Studio is in a new location and they’re reporting strong demand for new bikes, as well as people getting their old bikes fixed.
I was very glad to welcome Alex Keeling Morgan and the team to their new unit. I encourage everyone to get out and support our local independent businesses.
I’m working closely with our local councils to ensure the increase in cycling that we’ve seen during the lockdown is permanent, and that starts with better infrastructure.“
