Stuart Anderson MP has revealed the overall results of his Shop Local Survey which ran between July and December 2025.
"From speaking to fellow residents in South Shropshire, I know that our market towns and high streets are held in the highest regard by people near and far. However, local businesses have reported many challenges operating in the area. They face increased costs and reduced footfall at the same time as vital government support has been withdrawn. To support the revival of our high streets, I sought local views through my Shop Local Survey. These results shape the my plan to unleash rural prosperity."
More than four thousand residents responded to Stuart Anderson MP's Shop Local Survey, which was launched in July 2025.
The consultation was originally launched in Ludlow followed by Bridgnorth and other market towns across South Shropshire. Overall, 4,394 responses were received from residents, including 211 business owners.
After listening to your feedback, I have made three pledges to save our high streets:
1. Secure free parking
2. Cut business costs
3. Clean up the high street
Nearly 50% constituents reported that they are discouraged from the high street because of parking arrangements. I will campaign for free parking on South Shropshire’s high streets – to improve access and boost businesses.
Over 200 businesses also took part in the survey, with many reporting energy prices and tax hikes as being major concerns for their business. As a result, over a third are feeling less optimistic than they were the previous year.
I will campaign to cut business costs, to abolish business rates and reverse the recent rises in National Insurance Contributions. I also continue to maintain a Business Support Finder. This signposts businesses to a range of grants, tax reliefs, and competitions that they may be eligible to apply for.
I have created my business directory on my website, which I hope will help residents to find local goods and services. To find out more, visit here. If your business is not listed, please contact me.
Many residents raised the state of their local high street, pointing out abandoned shops, badly kept pavements and litter as being discouraging for visitors. I will work with local community groups to help clean up the high street.
I want to thank all the thousands who took part to share their views, with so many excellent suggestions and ideas being proposed. Thank you again for your time, your ideas, and your support for our high streets.
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