SHOPPERS in Keighley are being urged to support the town’s independent businesses in the countdown to Christmas.

The Federation of Small Businesses says small shops have been under “unprecedented pressure” since the start of the pandemic and are in desperate need of a festive boost.

A campaign – Love Your Small Independent Business – has been launched by the federation, encouraging the public to rally round.

People are being asked to use the hashtag #ilovesmallbusiness online – and share images of their actual buys, with the hashtag #shopherethisChristmas.

Plus shoppers are being encouraged to place reviews of their favourite businesses online.

Merewyn Sayers, the federation’s West Yorkshire area leader, says everyone has a part to play in ensuring independent retail businesses have “a fighting chance” of rescuing curtailed Christmas sales and making sure they can continue to be a part of the community.

She added: “This has been an unbelievably testing time for our brilliant small, independent retail businesses.

“Many have worked tirelessly to try to stay open and provide invaluable support and service to the community in a safe and secure way – and we know being part of a vibrant community with independent businesses is important to local people.

“We therefore hope local people support this campaign and reward the loyalty their independents have shown to communities. They are the very heartbeat of local life.”

She added: “Many of our local businesses have innovated over the last few months by launching online with ‘click and collect’ services, so they need help too – don’t forget if it is on your Christmas list, think small retailers who can provide it with a personal service!”

The federation is also urging retailers themselves to ensure they are part of the campaign by posting images of themselves and their shops online, with the hashtag #shopherethisChristmas.

National chairman Mike Cherry said it was imperative that everyone did their best to try to support and enthuse about local retailers.

The campaign is being backed by Paul Howard, manager of Keighley Business Improvement District.

“We have a great range of shops in Keighley town centre and I would encourage as many people as possible to shop safe and shop local wherever they can,” he said.

“Businesses have funded free parking every Saturday at the Airedale Shopping Centre until Christmas and many of our independent businesses now offer online shopping or ‘click and collect’ for those that would prefer to avoid the crowds. Further details are available at discoverkeighley.co.uk.”