Stuart Anderson MP has revealed the overall results of his Shop Local Survey which ran between July and December 2025. Nearly 4,500 residents responded to his survey, which he launched in July 2025.
The consultation was originally launched in Ludlow followed by Bridgnorth and other market towns across South Shropshire.
Stuart has said that is delighted with both the scale of responses and the quality of ideas and feedback that have been given to support the revival of our local high streets.
After listening to feedback from residents, Stuart has revealed three pledges to save our high streets in South Shropshire:
- Secure Free Parking;
- Cut Costs for Businesses;
- Clean Up Our High Streets.
Stuart's pledges comes as nearly fifty per cent of residents reported that they are discouraged from the high street due to parking arrangements.
Subsequently, Stuart has vowed to campaign for free parking on South Shropshire’s high streets. He hopes that this will improve access and boost footfall at local businesses.
Over 200 local business owners also took part in Stuart's Shop Local Survey, with many reporting energy prices and tax hikes as major concerns for their businesses.
Over a third of businesses reported feeling less optimistic than they were the previous year. Stuart has said that he will continue campaign to cut costs for local businesses.
Stuart has already declared his support for the Conservative Party's Campaign to abolish business rates and reverse recent rises in employer's National Insurance Contributions.
In response to Stuart's survey, many residents also raised the state of their local high street - highlighting the number of abandoned shops, badly kept pavements, and level of litter as discouraging for visitors.
Stuart has pledged to work with local community groups to help clean up the high street. Stuart has also thanked the thousands who took part to share their views, with so many excellent suggestions and ideas being proposed.
Following the publication of results, Stuart has vowed to continue to champion the needs and aspirations of local businesses. It is part of his longer term plan to unleash rural prosperity in South Shropshire.
To support the local business community, Stuart continues 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.
Stuart also continues to promote his Small Business Directory, which he launched in July. Located on his website, it showcases the range of talent in the local business community.
In addition, Stuart supports the Conservative Party's Plan to abolish business rates for 250,000 businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sector.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“I have been blown away by the level of engagement from constituents to my Shop Local campaign. What is clear is that we all care deeply for our high street and want to see businesses flourish there. After nearly 4500 results, my focus will be on three key areas that have been raised by residents. I will campaign for more free parking, to cut business costs and to clean up our high street. Together with local partners I hope that we can revitalise our local communities and unleash rural prosperity.”
