As Support our Shops draws to a close, we ask town leaders what they think of the campaign.
Trish Makepeace, president of Dewsbury Chamber of Trade:It has been a very positive campaign. Excellent as far as the chamber is concerned. The Reporter has done an extremely good job. It has certainly made customers aware of the nee
d to shop locally. Very positive. It needs to be broadened to the wider area of Dewsbury – not just the town centre shops. There are also local tradespeople who need support. But this has been a real force for good. It has done the town proud.
Gerald Egan, chairman Dewsbury Means Business:It's right that we should support our shops. We also have to be mindful of the fact that the market won best in the UK title a couple of years ago so we must also support the stallholders. It has been a wonderful campaign. There has been plenty of feedback. It's time Dewsbury talked up its assets and put them to best use The town looks lovely right now. Some awareness has been raised as to what Dewsbury has to offer.
Andrew Sloman, Dewsbury town centre manager:I congratulate the Reporter on what has been a very well-run and positive campaign, focusing not just on some of the issues Dewsbury faces, but encouraging people to think of the elements which work well, such as a compact and easily accessible centre, a range of shops giving good value for money and the best market in the UK. It is a market which surprises and delights those new to it and serves well those who use it week in, week out.
It is also important to get feedback. On behalf of Dewsbury town centre management and the local traders and businesses, it gives us food for thought.
I believe Dewsbury has a bright future. You have highlighted many positive features and reasons why people love Dewsbury and keep coming back.
Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik:I have been heartened by the excellent response the Reporter's campaign to Support our Shops and applaud it for setting up the initiative campaign. It's been great walking round the town seeing all the posters in shop windows. It just goes to show the pride our local businesses have and the great sense of community that exists in the town centre. I hope that moving forward we continue to highlight the range of shops and services we are lucky enough to have; to praise customer care and good quality, and to champion our local small businesses to the wider audience.
