Stuart Anderson MP Supports South Shropshire High Streets
South Shropshire's MP has stepped up his campaign to deliver on his Shop Local Action Plan, which aims to boost footfall and trade on South Shropshire's high streets.
Stuart Anderson MP said: "More than four and a half thousand residents responded to my Shop Local Survey, demonstrating the importance of our high streets to our local communities.
"The results have enabled me to develop my Shop Local Action Plan, which aims to boost footfall and trade on South Shropshire's high streets. This includes campaigning for improved access and pushing for reduced business costs.
"I also want to ensure that South Shropshire benefits from a fair share of the £150 million funding that the government has announced to regenerate our high streets. I believe that my Shop Local Action Plan fully aligns with the goals of the new funding scheme to bring people back into their local high streets and restore community pride. So, I have made the case for investing in South Shropshire's high streets."
On 2 February 2026, Communities Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh MP confirmed that the government's upcoming High Street Strategy will be backed by at least £150 million of support to turn the tide on ailing high streets. The funding is designed to improve neglected shopfronts, bring empty units back into use, and restore community pride. The government said details on how the funding is to be allocated to specific places will be announced in the coming months.
Ahead of this, Stuart has made the case for investment in South Shropshire. It is part of Stuart's Shop Local Campaign, which aims to support local businesses and high streets in South Shropshire. Stuart's request follows his Shop Local Survey, which gathered feedback from more than four thousand residents and business owners. The survey received significant engagement, with nearly 4,500 responses including over 1,200 from Bridgnorth and Ludlow.
The results enabled Stuart to develop his Shop Local Action Plan, which includes campaigning for improved access and boost footfall at local businesses. Stuart is also pushing for reduced business costs and improving the appearance of local high streets. On 4 February 2026, Stuart also met with representatives from ACS, the Association of Convenience Stores.
Their Rural Shop Report 2026 reveals that 18,355 rural convenience stores in mainland UK, employing over 165,000 people, have invested £281 million in the past year - providing essential access to a variety of products, services, and job opportunities. 79% of these stores are owned and operated by independent retailers, and 62% of rural shoppers would have to travel more than two miles for essential groceries if their local shop wasn’t there.
However, Stuart has added that Labour's 260% hike in business rates for shops has made business unviable for dozens of beloved high street stores. By contrast, the Conservatives would abolish business rates for a quarter of a million high street businesses as part of its savings plan. Stuart has said that his Shop Local Action Plan fully aligns with the goals of the new funding scheme, which hopes to bring people back into their local high streets and restore community pride.
