Sarah Carr calls for support for Rural Businesses: Real and Immediate Government action is required now

10.08.26am GMT Wed 25th Feb 2009

Sarah Carr is determined that small businesses in the County are supported.

Following the government's announcement on 5th February 2009 to support rural communities and businesses by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, local Liberal Democrat parliamentary campaigner Sarah Carr has criticised the lack of immediate relief to those rural businesses who need help now. With many local retailers and businesses facing an uncertain future, Sarah has been out talking with numerous traders in Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and South Herefordshire to hear their views on how local and national government can best help them during the economic downturn.

Commenting on discussions with local shops Sarah said,

"What is clear is that many of our rural businesses need support, and they need it now. Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and our other market towns have already been affected by the closure of chain stores such as Woolworths. I want the government to actively help our local independent retailers to flourish now.

"Many need help with advertising just to let people know they exist and others need help in setting up websites to sell their products online to a bigger customer base. Most of all retailers want lower overheads, the burden of just keeping the door open can often prove too much. As a result, I will be taking these issues up with the Chief Executives of Advantage West Midlands and Herefordshire Council to see what practical help can be provided.

"A further specific measure would be for central government to seriously invest in marketing Herefordshire and its unique market towns as UK holiday destinations, especially as it is expected more Brits will holiday in the UK this year. I also think that during such a downturn the government can help by creating jobs that look to the future - a local example would be for the government to directly invest in anaerobic digesters that create energy from our farm waste.

"Successive Conservative and Labour governments have taken rural communities for granted. There were over 3 million people unemployed under the Conservatives in government. There are now 1.2 million unemployed under Labour and figures are rising in Herefordshire. The government bailed out the city bankers who caused the downturn - the government now need to invest in our rural communities and can do this by creating jobs and investing in the future. At the same time I will be working hard to ensure we do not lose the character of what makes our rural communities and market towns, such as Ross, so special in the first place."