The Shadow Business Secretary has visited Whitehaven.
Jonathan Reynolds was in the town with Labour’s prospective candidate Josh MacAlister as the party revealed an action plan to revitalise high streets.
Mr MacAlister said: “High streets in West Cumbria have been the target of rising costs due to spiralling inflation, steep tax rises and spiking energy bills. Meanwhile, a decade of low growth means footfall has fallen across the country and firms have struggled to attract customers.”
Mr Reynolds has announced his plan to reverse 13 years of decline and revitalise local high streets, with policies to cut tax, cut energy bills, stamp out late payments, revamp empty shops and tackle anti-social behaviour.
Mr MacAlister added: “Whitehaven is a beautiful town with so much potential, but under the Tories, our high streets are in managed decline. I want all our town centres in West Cumbria to be vibrant places with a diverse retail and leisure offering for local people and visitors.
“Labour’s plan to slash and reform business rates and boost tourism will make a real difference to businesses here and I was pleased it received the support of business owners we met today.”
Mr Reynolds added: “It’s been fantastic visiting Whitehaven and seeing the vibrant shops and cafes that make this such a wonderful place to live. Labour wants our high streets to be even better that’s why we will lower costs for business owners, tackling business rates and late payments.
“Labour will make high streets a great place to shop tackling the anti-social behaviour and empty shops that have become a common sight.”
