Crafty Vintage calls for sustainable shopping and stronger communities

By Crafty Vintage

13 Mar 2023

Shoplocal

The leading advocate for independent businesses across Lancashire is proposing a new by-law to enforce payment for parking at out-of-town retail parks surrounding Blackburn, Accrington and Preston.

The proposal is aimed at levelling up the playing field for local retailers, who have been struggling to compete with large supermarket chains and other retail giants located in out-of-town retail parks such as Whitebirk and Deepdale.

The by-law, if approved, would see car park charges of just £2 being applied at all out-of-town retail parks, including large supermarkets such as Aldi and Tesco. The funds raised from these charges would then be invested in culture and entertainment in the town centres, providing an additional incentive for shoppers to visit local retailers.

Crafty Vintage argues that the current trend of shopping at out-of-town retail parks has had a detrimental impact on local retailers, particularly small independent businesses. The convenience of these out-of-town retail parks, combined with free parking, has drawn customers away from the town centres, making it difficult for local retailers to compete. But the effects are not limited to just local businesses.

Out-of-town shopping also has negative effects on the environment and society as a whole. Supermarkets and retail giants are known for exploiting farmers by paying them less than the actual cost of production. They also encourage the throwaway culture that is harmful to the environment, through fast fashion and single-use plastics.

Additionally, the rise of out-of-town retail parks has contributed to the breakdown of community pride. When people shop locally, they feel a greater sense of connection to their community, and their spending supports local jobs and infrastructure. The decline of the high street can lead to boarded-up shops, graffiti, and a general lack of pride in the local area.

Relaxing parking times in town centres is another aspect of Crafty Vintage's proposal. This would allow shoppers to relax and not worry about fines, ultimately helping small local independent businesses to retain customers.

The proposal has garnered support from local business leaders and has been successfully implemented in other counties. However, it has also sparked a debate about the impact of self-service checkouts in large supermarkets, which Crafty Vintage argues put local folk out of jobs and undermine the original claims of employee numbers made by supermarkets when granted planning consent.

If the by-law is approved, it could be a game-changer for local retailers across Lancashire, providing a level playing field for local businesses to compete with larger retail chains. The proposal is an innovative solution to the challenges facing local retailers and is sure to spark further discussion about the role of local businesses in the modern economy.

Crafty Vintage has pioneered the Shop Local campaign across Lancashire, recognising the importance of supporting small businesses and strengthening local communities. The award-winning event production company organises regular social gatherings and pop-up events where like-minded folk can meet, socialise, share ideas, gather inspiration and sell their unique artisan wares.

 

Latest news

1

Baylight ’25 Illuminates Morecambe with record crowds and community spirit The Giant Whale sponsored by Morecambe BID

Baylight ’25 Illuminates Morecambe with record crowds and community spirit

24 Feb 2025

2

Teachers swap whiteboards for workplace visits on ground-breaking scheme  Jayne Rear Cabinet Member For Education And Skills 2rd From Right And Ash Sutcliffe 3nd From Right Pictured With Representatives From Blackburn College The Heights In Burnley

Teachers swap whiteboards for workplace visits on ground-breaking scheme

21 Feb 2025

3

Historic Haslingden X-ray equipment firm targets global markets following NPIF II funding David Wright, My Ha Hoang, Paul Dixon, Deby Fisher

Historic Haslingden X-ray equipment firm targets global markets following NPIF II funding

21 Feb 2025

4

Nick Park unveils statue of Feathers McGraw at Animate, Preston Nick Park CBE & Mayor of Preston Councillor Phil Crowe unveil the statue of Feathers McGraw.

Nick Park unveils statue of Feathers McGraw at Animate, Preston

20 Feb 2025

5

Middle Eastern ‘aura’ for Lakeland as it completes high-profile Dubai hotel project Lakeland Aura team

Middle Eastern ‘aura’ for Lakeland as it completes high-profile Dubai hotel project

20 Feb 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 3
Blue-Modern-Land-Travel-Youtube-Thumbnail-2-1024x576.png.png
LBV Hub Awards
14 Jan 2025 - 18 Mar 2025

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 3

Community & Business Partners CIC, Blackburn, BB2 3UA

09:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work Course - In Person
RKMS ACADEMY LOGO - BLACK AND ORANGE.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work Course - In Person

RKMS Group , Blackpool, FY42DP

09:30 - 17:00

Employment Law, Tax and Payroll Update - East Lancashire
PM and M event
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Employment Law, Tax and Payroll Update - East Lancashire

Accrington Stanley Football Club, Accrington, BB5 5BX

08:00 - 10:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: February
Freelancer Meet-Up Feb.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: February

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Better People Management Workshop
Business Breakfast.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Better People Management Workshop

The Jimmy Arnfield Suite Lancashire Football Association, The County Ground, Thurston Road, Leyland, PR25 2LF

10:00 - 15:30

Women's Health champion training
Supporting Women's Health in Your Teams A Path to Success-6.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Women's Health champion training

*, Online, *

10:00 - 16:00

StackedX with PM+M and CFO Techstack
LBV Hub Seminars
27 Feb 2025 - 27 Feb 2025

StackedX with PM+M and CFO Techstack

Red Hall Hotel, Bury, BL9 5NA

08:00 - 10:00

Better People Management Workshop
LBV Hub Seminars
27 Feb 2025 - 27 Feb 2025

Better People Management Workshop

Pendle Town Hall, Market Street, Nelson, BB9 7LJ

10:00 - 15:30

Kickstart Networking - Crazy Golf at Level, Preston
Kickstart Crazy Golf.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
27 Feb 2025 - 27 Feb 2025

Kickstart Networking - Crazy Golf at Level, Preston

Level, Preston, PR1 1HT

16:00 - 18:00

Post Employee Ownership Trust: What's the story?
LBV image.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Mar 2025 - 04 Mar 2025

Post Employee Ownership Trust: What's the story?

Brabners, Preston, PR5 6AW

11:00 - 12:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV120 Online Graphic 1
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin