MP Warns of Town Centres Threat from Recession

1.04.22pm GMT Tue 2nd Dec 2008

Vincent Cable MP met Whitton Town Centre Manager, Amanda Lyndon-Chappell, this week to discuss the problems posed for local business by the credit crunch and recession.

They were in Whitton to promote the 2009 Whitton Calendar which raises funds to improve the town centre and Sunday's Christmas event.

Vincent Cable warned, however, that "the vicious contraction now taking place in the economy, particularly the retail sector, will knock a big hole in our local shopping centres. The demise of Woolworths is particularly bad news for Twickenham where King St is already struggling because of the shortage of proper shops.

"In this difficult environment it is important that we all do our bit to support local shopping centres. Tesco and the major chains are looking after themselves by squeezing their suppliers. The local independent shops don't have that luxury and depend on their customers.

"In Whitton the threat of recession has already put back the Sainsbury's acquisition of the derelict Co-op site. I believe Lidl and other stores may be interested. If a deal could finally be struck it would do so much to lift Whitton."