Lucy Allan MP has today issued a statement in support of the retail sector, following the news that the Arcadia group of retail businesses has collapsed into administration:
“The collapse of Arcadia will have a huge impact on Telford and on the many people who stand to lose their jobs. They have my full support. Even before the pandemic this year, it was clear that the retail sector was facing some fundamental questions. Many of our high streets have changed, with shops and businesses moving online and many others struggling to keep up. To compound this, the series of restrictions and lockdowns, whilst necessary to protect lives, has been devastating for all retail outlets in Telford and across the UK. The unprecedented levels of financial support extended to businesses has saved jobs and protected incomes across the retail sector, but inevitably the massive drop in footfall and impact of restrictions on their businesses threaten the viability of many previously profitable companies.
Throughout the pandemic, I have been concerned about its impact on local jobs and on the recovery of our Town Centre, and smaller highstreets across our area. As we emerge from the pandemic, new ways of shopping and working will likely be adopted as many may continue to work from home and shop online. It is important to ensure that the retail sector is represented and I will continue to stand up for local businesses in Parliament. The Telford Town Deal board is submitting a £25 million bid which I hope will breathe life into the centre of Telford investing in skills, connectivity and infrastructure, connecting Telford’s commercial heart and local shops with the wider region.
As a member of the Telford Towns fund board, I look forward to taking the bid forward to regenerate the heart the town.”
Photo: Lucy Allan MP at local business, Victoria James Home Accessories, in Telford town centre (website)
