With fluctuating fuel prices and the ever deepening credit crunch, the importance of the local shop is becoming increasingly prevalent.  More and more customers are telling me that they are shopping locally to cut travelling costs and it appears to be the case as Soham high street certainly seems busier.

That is hardly surprising though as, unlike many of the UKs high streets, we still have a butcher, baker and greengrocer all of whom are family businesses.

Dersingham and Soham stores are also supporting local producers and so the community can benefit all round.  By buying fresh produce and groceries on a more regular basis, customers actually save money as the products they buy are used and not thrown away as is often the case with a “big shop”.

Hopefully, at times like this, the consumer will get to realise just how important local small shops are to the wellbeing of the community. Using family owned stores is both convenient and good value and benefits the community as a whole. Hopefully the public is getting to understand it before its too late.