THERE are only a few weeks left until Christmas but there’s plenty of time to finish – or start – your Christmas shopping, and don’t forget there are plenty of gifts you can pick up in town.
People are being urged to make the most of Westbury’s own shops during the busy festive season, and are reminded that Westbury Town Council continue to fund the two-hours’ free car parking in all car parks.
Mayor of Westbury, cllr Mike Sutton, said, “I would urge everyone who can, to support our local shops and services – not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
“As we prepare for Christmas I am aware of our local shops, how so many enter into the spirit of the season by decorating their premises which adds to the colour and atmosphere of this time of year.
“Everyone is aware of how difficult the retail sector is at present, but we sometimes forget that locally we still have many shops that continue to serve and be of use to us residents and without which our town would be less pleasant and convenient.
“There are many items that can be bought locally and where possible, I would urge everyone who can, to buy from our local shops.”
In the light of new businesses coming to Westbury, and existing stores that have been in the town for many years, local shop owners explain why it is important to keep trade alive in the town.
Mother and daughter team, Chris Longworth and Claire Rumary, have run Cards Plus in the High Street for over 20 years and firmly believe in the ‘now you see us, now you don’t!’ approach to local business.
They said, “No it’s not a Paul Daniels magic trick, it’s a cold hard fact of life! The old cliche of, if you don’t use it you lose it, applies to, not only Cards Plus, but to all the other local shops in our town.
“We are here for you – please be here for us!
“We are more than just a card shop, we are a listening ear, a friendly face, a little conversation when you haven’t seen anyone that day. We are part of the local community and hopefully we will be for another 20 years. Thank you to all our customers.”
Janie Taylor at Miles Apart said, “I feel that Westbury is very underestimated; all you hear is people saying it’s full of charity shops and takeaways, but they don’t see beyond that it has brilliant shops with everything you need and is such a friendly, welcoming community.
“We all support each other and it’s the personal touch of making sure the customers get what they need, their problem of finding something becomes our problem too. The cafes and charity shops are also such nice places to go, and it’s so important for the local community to support Westbury.”
