Little Common Remains Optimistic

He said: "For any retailer these times are worrying, but for the small business sector, which represents all the community bar one, it is not just a job but also a way of life.

"Each of the businesses represented are offering quality goods and services and in most cases that personal service, which makes them unique and helps creates a community feel in our village.

"Financial concerns are worrying for everyone; the media reports have a tendency to slow down trade because of fears, which in many cases do not exist but sadly in many homes are very real.

"The very real worries for every family regarding all the extra costs of fuel, whether it be Petrol, Electricity or Gas, these extra costs are very real and as consumers we have very little choice, and it leaves the consumer with less money to spend on all the other things.

"However, because we have been blessed with such a wide variety of goods and services of the highest quality, we are optimistic for the future. There are concerns regarding the development of another large retailer in the centre of the village, this may put more pressure on what to date has been a well-balanced community.

"Whether it is, dividends, pensions, wages or salaries we hope our customers will have sufficient income to continue supporting all local business. We are concerned for those non-essential businesses who traditionally suffer when money is tight and also for those who want to find employment, because in these difficult and uncertain times job opportunities sadly dry up.

"Little Common is not an island, times are hard, but we in the business community remain optimistic for the future with the continued support of all of our very loyal customers."