Local shops help build communities

James Lowman, the CE of the Association of Convenience stores, writes today in the Scotsman about the importance of local shops in encouraging a sence of community. He reveals some startling facts from the Princes Trust that "one in ten Britons admitted to failing to meet other people socially on a weekly basis and 15 per cent go a week without speaking to any of their neighbours."

We agree that local shops provide vital meeting points for communities . We need a sensible debate that leads to strong policies that protect a communities right to choose what shops exist within them.

Read his article in full here:
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Local-shops-for-local-people.3715833.jp