TODAY we launch our Love Local Business campaign once again to support traders as they try to recover from the lockdown.

After non-essential shops, hairdressers, pubs, gyms and other businesses re-opened on Monday April 12, we are urging our readers to support them by spending their money with them.

Our campaign is run by the Stroud News & Journal, Gazette Series and Wilts & Glos Standard, in partnership with Gardiner Haskins home store.

Michael Purton, editor of the titles, said: “This is a crucial time for local businesses as they try to recover from the impact of the lockdown which, for many, has seen them without any income for more than three months.We are fortunate to have so many great local, independent businesses and we need our community to support them now to make sure we don’t lose them.

“In the coming weeks we will be promoting these businesses in our newspaper, on our website and our social media channels, to help spread the message that they are open and highlight why they are so valuable to this community."

Our campaign is backed by Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie and Cotswold MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown.

Mrs Baillie said: "I am really pleased to support the SNJ’s relaunch of the Love Local Business campaign.

"The Government has supported retail through the pandemic and is providing more funding for reopening to help our high streets because shops need to adjust to the new Covid world.

Campaigns like this will also encourage people back with the confidence they will be safe.

"It’s vitally important everyone now gets behind our shops and we head back into our town centres. I believe this will happen because there is so much pent-up demand to go out and have a few hours of normality. Online has been great, but there’s no substitute for being in a shop, having a chat and giving money to local businesses."

Sir Geoffrey added: "I welcome the Love Local Business campaign which is a great initiative.

"It is extremely important to help boost the local economy as soon as lockdown regulations allow and we can go out and enjoy local facilities.

"We have a fantastic range of local businesses which we can support and help them recover from this dreadful pandemic."

If you'd like your business to be involved in Love Local Business, contact Dale Godliman on 01905 742372 or dale.godliman@localiq.co.uk