This week we had an important debate on the health of rural high streets. The wonderful towns across the breadth of West Dorset may be small, but they are mighty.
The resilience of our local businesses cannot be overstated. The Liberal Democrat-run town councils have done a brilliant job of working with local business groups to help our high streets recover from the ravages of COVID.
In our bigger towns of Bridport, Dorchester and Sherborne we have seen encouraging signs of recovery but there is still much work to be done.
Amazingly, Bridport and West Bay enjoy 596,000 visits a year, and up to £49m in tourism spend – including £10m spent in the shops alone.
That’s driven in no small part by a packed calendar of events in the town.
Retail unoccupancy in the town is seven per cent – significantly below the national average of 14 per cent, but still higher than the pre-pandemic levels.
In Dorchester, the town’s Sunday market has drawn more than 10,000 visitors, leading some businesses to extend their opening hours.
Sherborne, too, has shown its ability to attract new businesses, with cultural events like abbey concerts, the literary festival, the film festival and the Sherborne Festive Shopping Day in December all helping to bring more people into the town.
But there are challenges too. The last remaining bank in Sherborne is set to close soon, to be replaced by a banking hub. The transition highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain essential services in rural communities.
Our high streets are not just places to shop: they are spaces where communities come together.
These businesses need help, not just from all of us shopping locally – even just occasionally – but from government policies that recognise the unique challenges of rural high streets.
That is why the Liberal Democrats are fighting so hard to convince the Government to reverse its decisions on National Insurance contributions and business rates.
West Dorset is home to some of the most remarkable towns in the country. They are proving that with determination, innovation and the right support, high streets can thrive.
Edward Morello MP for West Dorset
