RESIDENTS in Denbighshire are once again being asked to support local businesses and traders this winter.

Rather than simply asking residents to ‘support local’, Denbighshire County Council is launching a campaign to highlight and introduce the wealth of businesses, goods and services that the county has to offer as the authority appeals to people to shop and buy local this winter.

Asking people to shop and support their local businesses is nothing new.

The annual #lovelivelocal campaign is always an excellent opportunity to remind us of the wonderful offers there are nearby, but the campaign is particularly relevant this year.

The rise in the cost of living is affecting most people and residents are all searching for ways to cut down where they can.

Shopping locally helps by reducing the amount of fuel people need to pump into their cars for longer journeys.

The campaign aims to encourage people to spend their money in Denbighshire, whilst encouraging shoppers and businesses to use their social media channels to share their positive experiences using the #lovelivelocal hashtag.

As part of the campaign, the council will be sharing social media assets with traders and encouraging them to shout about their businesses online – the more people are out and about doing their shopping, and telling everyone about it, the better the atmosphere for everyone as Christmas approaches.

Residents are also encouraged to visit other seasonal events in their local town centre, such as the switching on of Christmas lights, community carol services and artisan markets.

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Cllr Jason McLellan, leader of Denbighshire County Council and lead member for economic growth and tackling deprivation, said: “The purpose of this campaign is to remind people of the wonderful businesses we have in Denbighshire, to shop and use local services wherever possible to keep the Denbighshire economy thriving and lower our carbon footprint.

“It has been a difficult few years for businesses and there are some challenging times ahead, but it’s important that we all play a part to support our local economy.

“We think it’s more important than ever to push the #lovelivelocal message to our residents and remind everyone there are many shops in our towns and villages that offer a wide range of products, from food and drink to beauty and fashion, from arts and crafts to professional services.

“A walk into our towns and villages will reveal some hidden gems and you’ll often find some amazing gifts for your loved ones. We want to help businesses showcase their products, to encourage people to visit and to surprise and excite the consumer about what is on offer.

“Give Denbighshire businesses a go and #lovelivelocal.”

And once Christmas and the sales have passed, how about a new year’s pledge to continue visiting the local high street in 2023 and beyond?

People can get involved by visiting http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support/love-live-local.aspx