Why we have to support our local shops

We now have more shops closed in our town centre that any other town our size. I think it’s time that the people and businesses in Rotherham showed the nation that we are not just a backwater town, we need to support our community.

I grew up in a country that was proud to be where we were from.

I grew up when we supported the local retailers they were part of our community we knew them and supported them.

Publicity like this will only take Rotherham one way and that is down.

If we are told all our shops are closing we will not seek them out to trade with them. We need to support our fruit and veg shops, we need to support our bakeries, our newsagents, our clothes shops, the local DIY shop.

My industry has been savaged by the recession. In Rotherham alone we have seen the demise of the Peugeot, Renault, Hyundai, Nissan, Suzuki, Mitsubishi and MG Rover . . .  the last two being based at my premises.

What chance anyone wanting to come to Rotherham to ply their trade how do new businesses start? If we are not careful we could end up a housing estate alongside the motorway in South Yorkshire.

I say to the people of Rotherham support your local businesses allow us to grow and expand we are all part of this community. I say to the businesses in Rotherham let the people know who you are and what you can do for them lets' all work together. Let’s not disappear like so many others.

I know the people of Rotherham are proud of their routes they are proud to be from Rotherham, so lets let the next generation be proud to.

I came to Rotherham in 2005 to an iconic building with years of history. I want it to stay that way I am part of the community and proud of it. When I meet people I tell them where I am from I tell about the Mushroom garage and its history, I am proud of it.

Peter Brooks, owner of The Mushroom Garage (and proud of it), Peter Brooks Honda, Mushroom Garage, Doncaster Road, Rotherham.