Shop safe and shop local in Three Rivers this Christmas

Updated: 2 December 2021

Shop safe and shop local – that’s the message from Three Rivers District Council in the run up to Christmas.

Shop safe and shop local – that’s the message from Three Rivers District Council in the run up to Christmas.

With residents hopeful of a Christmas much closer to normality this year compared to 2020, the Leader of Three Rivers District Council is calling for local shops and businesses to be supported.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes (pictured) is urging people to enjoy the festive decorations whilst visiting cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops available on their local streets wherever possible. She said: “Whether it’s taking a stroll down your local high street for a coffee and a slice of cake, or buying all your gifts from our local traders – it has never been more important to support the shops and other businesses in your locality. Christmas is a vital trading time, and after nearly two years of continual challenges this is the perfect moment to make a choice to support your local shops.”

Watch a video with Cllr Sarah Nelmes here

A wide variety of shops and eateries are available in the main shopping streets of Abbots Langley, Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, Croxley Green and South Oxhey. Cllr Nelmes is also reminding residents to follow the rules on wearing face masks in shops and on public transport.

The shop local message comes ahead of Small Business Saturday on 4 December – which is a campaign to highlight small business success and encourage consumers to support small businesses in their communities.

Both campaigns are supported by the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce. Its chair and director Shirish Chauhan said: “For many of our local businesses December is their busiest time – so supporting them could not be more important. By doing so you are helping to boost our local economy, local businesses and the people who work for them. So step out and take a look around your local high street, see what they have to offer and spend some money there. In so doing you will be making a big difference.”

In recent months the council has been working with experts SaveTheHighStreet.org to provide tailored support to help get the most out of the pre-Christmas shopping season.

Meanwhile, under the Mentoring for Growth programme, the council is offering specialist one-to-one mentoring to local small and medium-sized enterprises and start-up businesses. The scheme – launched in September – is designed to help local businesses thrive following the effects of multiple lockdowns and restrictions. The council is working in partnership with business support specialist Smarter Society – which has previously worked with organisations including John Lewis and the NHS – to provide the new mentoring programme.

The council is also offering the Three Rivers Business Growth Grants in partnership with Hertfordshire Growth Hub, designed to support local businesses, drive innovation, growth, efficiency and productivity for companies hit by Covid restrictions.

For more information on all of these business support schemes visit: https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/egcl-page/business-support

For more information on Small Business Saturday visit: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/about-us

For the latest government guidance on staying safe and stopping spread of the virus, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a611-e3109cce8eae

Council spokesperson

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Leader of Three Rivers District Council

Group spokespeople

Cllr Alex Hayward – Leader of the Conservative Group

Cllr Stephen Cox – Leader of the Labour Group

Cllr Joanna Clemens – Independent Councillors Group Joint Leader