Bassetlaw MP says local high streets need our support more than ever

The high street in Worksop was already in need of a boost, so the Covid-19 pandemic was the last thing it needed.

The Government has provided unprecedented levels of support throughout this crisis.

However, now the time has come for many stores to re-open and they will only recover if we go out and support them.

If we don’t use them, we will lose them.

The best thing you can do to help is to shop locally, by visiting local stores and small independent retailers if possible.

If you are using public transport then please remember to wear a face covering, as these are now compulsory.

I am trying to attract investment for our town centres and I have launched a survey to get your views on the things you would like to see.

This survey also asks you about other things in Worksop and the services provided by Bassetlaw District Council.

You can find the survey here.

Discussion in the last week has been partly dominated again by protests.

Most recently, we had our decent, honest veterans going to London with the intention of making sure important statues and monuments were kept safe.

Unfortunately, as we also saw with the Black Lives Matter Protests, this was then hijacked by an extreme element who decided to confront the police instead.

Neither of these violent extremes represent the decent people who simply wanted to make a valid point.

On that note, I am disappointed that the Premier League has decided to break with tradition and put what is effectively a political slogan on the back of players’ shirts.

This is not helpful and I think they have failed to understand the wider implications of what they are effectively promoting.

In terms of our local clubs, I hope the football authorities will also be able to provide them with some clarity soon as to their plans for next season.

Finances are tight at non-league level and it hasn’t been easy with the loss of income for which many clubs rely on for their day to day running.

Brendan Clarke-Smith is MP for Bassetlaw.