STOURBRIDGE MP Suzanne Webb has urged shoppers to support the town's independent retailers this Christmas and in future to help traders recover from the Covid pandemic.

The MP called in at a number of Stourbridge's independent outlets as part of efforts to support Small Business Saturday on December 4.

She said she always takes part in the annual national initiative but stressed the importance of supporting local retailers all year round - otherwise shoppers risk losing them.

During her shopping trip, Suzanne called at family-run Jewellery Inspired in The Ryemarket and gift shop I’m Lucky in Victoria Passage, which has just celebrated its one-year anniversary.

She also visited the craft fair at the Eco Maniax zero waste shop, also in The Ryemarket. One of the stalls was run by Stacy Hammond who was selling calendars and cards featuring her artwork.

The MP said: “Our local retailers have had a tough time during the pandemic and they need our support to help with the recovery so initiatives like Small Business Saturday are really good.

“But every local entrepreneur I chat to tells me there needs to be many, many more Saturdays than just one, especially during the Christmas period.

“I know we all like ordering stuff on the internet but we also need to shop local too. If we do not, our independent shops in town centres will be gone and it will be incredibly difficult to get them back."