USE us or lose us.

That's the stark message from Keighley town-centre retailers, as many battle for survival.

The impact of the pandemic, coupled with the continued rise in online shopping amongst other factors, is having a devastating effect on our high-street traders.

One well-known business battling to stay afloat is Fletchers Stationery, Art and Print.

Originally based in Cavendish Street, the shop closed in 2012 but then reopened at a new location – High Street – eight years later.

Now the business is once again in serious danger of disappearing.

Owner Kyle Riley says that whilst he understands the convenience of online shopping, there are many "wonderful" independent retailers in the town which need the public's support.

"I connect with a lot of local retailers and I know we’re all in the same boat – Covid has driven many shops out of business and some are hanging in there by a thread," he said.

"Sadly, and I know most of us are guilty of it, we have got into a mindset of ordering online from global faceless companies and forgetting the struggle local retailers have.

"I try to support local with every purchase I make – I bought my Christmas turkey from one of my customers, I regularly purchase feed for my chickens through another, I bought a T-shirt from one of my artist customers and I tried to buy as many Christmas presents as possible from fellow retailers in Keighley and surrounding villages. I do this because I know I make a difference to their livelihoods."

Mr Riley said a host of factors was contributing to his shop's plight, from rising energy bills to a low footfall in that locality.

"I would love to move the business back onto Cavendish Street where it originally was but to do this I need to have a stable business to take the increased rent," he added.

"My landlord is a great guy and has been very understanding when I’ve been late with rent due to a bad month of sales.

"We also had a recent setback of a road traffic accident where two cars smashed into my shop window and it took almost three weeks for the insurance company to replace the window. And I had a conman scam me out of an entire day's takings.

"My message to readers is that when you need to make a purchase, please try to think about getting it from your local retailers wherever possible."

Community leaders echo his plea.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore said he had met Mr Riley to hear first-hand about the issues he was facing.

Mr Moore added: "We have many brilliant independent businesses right across Keighley, and it is deeply concerning to hear of the struggles some are facing at the moment. It is so important that we all support them as much as possible and shop local.

"Fletchers is well known to many, but having had another tough Christmas period they need more footfall.

"High-street retailers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, are the backbone of Keighley’s economy. The pandemic has caused innumerable problems for these places, so we must give them our full support by shopping and buying local.

"I recently met with Small Business Minister Paul Scully to raise local retailers' concerns directly with the Government, and ask for further support to make sure our high streets survive."

Town mayor, Councillor Julie Adams, said: "Following the easing of Covid Plan B restrictions, it’s important we all play our part and return to our high streets to support the retailers of our town.

"I would encourage everyone to pop into Keighley and see what’s on offer. You may be pleasantly surprised – we have some lovely diverse little shops, and they all need our support."