Harrogate MP says 'it's time to save livelihoods as well as lives'

Staying at home and staying at home has bred a culture for online shopping but Mr Jones says it is vital Harrogate supports its own shops and businesses first - even online.

Writing in his regular column for the Harrogate Advertiser, he said people’s sacrifices in lockdown had saved lives but now it was time to save livelihoods as the economy started to reopen.

Mr Jones said: “We sometimes forget it but we in Harrogate live in an amazing place with a high quality of life, low rates of crime, a place that constantly wins awards and gets glowing feedback from visitors on social media.

"It’s time to enjoy that and support it.

"But the continuation of local retail is down to us.

“Our choice will determine whether our town centres recover and thrive or whether they falter.

“We saved lives by doing one simple but often difficult thing - staying home. We can save livelihoods by doing one simple thing too - buying locally.”

Mr Jones said shopping locally was so crucial because it would help the whole town.

He said: “The effect of buying things locally is far greater than any of us might imagine when we make a simple purchase.

“All businesses of all sizes have taken an enormous hit during the coronavirus outbreak. By saving our shops we are saving the livelihoods of those who own them and the jobs of those who work in our town centres, plus those who work in the supply chain and distribution.

“And the income from a job often supports an entire household.

“It may take us a few minutes longer to get what we want. But please be patient and make that extra effort to support the local economy.”

Mr Jones said, even if people could not get into the town centre, they should support local businesses from buying from them online.

He said: “Even if you can’t get out to shop in person then make the effort to search for a local retailer online.

“Many local businesses have developed or improved their online offer during the lockdown.

“You can have a fantastic restaurant-standard meal, locally-brewed beer, fresh produce and much more delivered right to your door by a local company whose quality you can rely on.”

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