Residents in Rutland are being urged to shop local and support the independent businesses in the area during these difficult times.

The Council is encouraging residents to return to their high streets and shop locally, safely. Local shops have put in place safe shopping measure and have adapted due to the COVID-19 pandemic with many offering longer opening hours, click and collect and increased home delivery options.

Coun Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: "This has been undoubtedly one of the toughest years for local retailers with the COVID pandemic forcing many shops to close for long periods of time, pushing consumers to purchase from larger retailers online. The reduced the level of tourism has drastically impacted the footfall and ultimately the amount of money coming into the local economy.

"We have a strong business community across Rutland and a multitude of incredible independent retailers stocking items that are truly unique and personable. These make up the foundation of our wider economy and this Christmas we need to support them more than ever.

"If we all spend just a small amount per household in our local shops it would transform the survival rate of our local economy."

Rutland County Council has also introduced two hours free parking in the council-run public car parks in Uppingham and Oakham throughout December to encourage local shoppers back to the county's high streets.

The Council will be using its social media channels, website and the local press to encourage shoppers to use local shops for their Christmas shopping. They are asking shoppers and retailers to share pictures of their safe local shopping trips and purchases on social media using the hashtag of #ShopRutland.