So what is the difference between a village community shop and a town or city community shop? Apart from the fact that Village shop have got some organisation!

Steve

The main point is that FWD members supply to independent shops across London and throughout the country and see the value they bring at first hand.

We very much agree with the report’s conclusions that small shops provide an invaluable service to local communities in London. They provide a hub for communities, provide local jobs and contribute to the health of local economies.

We also agree with that small shops need greater support and if flexibility in the planning system is one way to do this they I agree that it should be taken forward by the Mayor and central Government.

In addition, you are right to say policies should support the access to small shops for both consumers and those delivering the goods and to promote the benefits to consumers of shopping locally. Retailers can play their part in that. Small shops often struggle to survive when up against the wealth and lobbying power of the supermarkets but do have a powerful voice of their own.

On the other we have Richard Dodd of the British Retail Consortium saying that “customers will decide.”

James Bielby of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors argues that local authorities should actively promote local shops, while accepting that store owners need to take responsibility for their own success.

However, part of that taking responsibility must include campaigning for local authorities to consider the needs of local shops when making planning decisions, when siting bus stops and so on. Retailers need to ensure that local politicians and MPs take their interests into account.

If you are a London independent, you need to write to Boris and ask for his support – and to encourage your shoppers to do the same.

Steve

Yes it is some what out of the way for most British people, but Peter van de Ley tick all the boxes on Paco’s what customers love list. But then he is only delivering what independents can do, some thing different and special.

Steve