DIVERSITY OF LOCAL SHOPS

Early day motion 161, tabled 17 July 2001 by Jane Griffiths (Labour). Signed by 15 members.

That this House believes that towns and cities should be encouraged to retain local distinctiveness; is dismayed both that the Heelas store in Reading is to be lost into the national John Lewis brand and that the independent Reading store Rock-a-Round is being denied town centre premises; despite its ability to pay the rents asked; and calls on the Government to review its policies and practices so that diversity is promoted and that towns and cities do not become merely showcases for global brands, but retain a sense of place that makes each community so important to local people.

Signatures by party: Labour 13, Labour/Co-operative 1, Liberal Democrat 1.