PEOPLE across Keighley are being urged to support the town's traders in the final push towards Christmas.

Online shopping and the cost-of-living crisis have combined to hit many high street retailers hard.

Now, with fewer than a dozen shopping days left before Christmas, senior figures in the town are encouraging everyone to 'shop local' and give much-needed backing to our independents.

The plea comes hot on the heels of Small Business Saturday, an annual campaign designed to boost smaller outlets.

Steve Seymour, manager of Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre, says shops and the hospitality trade are hugely reliant on this time of year.

"It is important during the Christmas period in particular to remember to 'shop local' and support Keighley businesses," he says.

"The independent stores, cafes and restaurants rely on this period more than ever – and cash is still king to them.

"Anyone with children who want to see Santa ahead of his dash on Christmas Eve can also pop along to our free grotto – with under-fives receiving a present.

"Plus, we have free parking every Saturday this month and from December 18 to 31.

"On behalf of all the centre tenants, I would like to thank people for their support – and look forward to a great New Year."

Keighley town mayor, Councillor John Kirby, echoes the plea to support the town's traders – now and into the future.

He says: "I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to rally behind our local businesses, not only during this festive season but also in the times to come.

"The 'shop local' message is not just a slogan, it's a commitment to sustaining the vibrant heart of our town.

"Given the recent approval of a second Keighley Business Improvement District (BID) term and the triumph of Small Business Saturday, let's shop locally and back our local entrepreneurs!"

And Keighley MP Robbie Moore says: "On Small Business Saturday, I had the opportunity to get out and about to speak to some of our brilliant independent business owners from right across the constituency, including some of our fantastic stallholders at Keighley Market. It's always great to hear directly from business owners about their priorities for our local small business landscape – and it was encouraging to see a drive for people to come together as a community and shop local this year.

"Small independent businesses really are the backbone of our local economy and in the run-up to Christmas and beyond it is so important we do all we can to eat, drink, relax and shop locally."

Keighley BID will run for a second five-year period after businesses voted in favour of the scheme.

Under the initiative, businesses within a defined area pay an additional levy on top of their business rates to fund extra projects.

The board which runs Keighley BID says that, working alongside Bradford Council and other partners, it will strive with businesses to improve trading conditions in the town.