"Some of the best high street experiences are found in the independent shops that thrive in towns across the North-East.

"Places like Yarm have a wide range of unique, specialist stores offering everything from computers and electronics to flowers and antiques. They have much more soul and personality than supermarkets. We need to support small businesses to ensure high streets and town centres retain their character.

“Buying just a few things a week at an independent store, whether DIY products, flowers or food, can make a big difference. We all want to see the character they bring retained and flourish because they make a real contribution to the local economy.

“I know from working with traders across my constituency on a range of issues, from fighting unwanted parking charges in Yarm to raising concerns over business rates and regeneration in Stockton High Street, that sometimes these businesses are fragile and vulnerable to sudden economic change. We all need to do what we can to support them.”