I was in St Helens yesterday and came across a 'Be Local Buy Local' campaign - launched by the local council in May 2009. I  thought people might find it interesting!  Sadly St Helens doesn't seem to have too many local shops - the place was littered with chain stores but its great to see the Council doing this.  Wouldn't it be good if Manchester City Council did something similar?!

Here is what the web site (and shop windows in the town) say:

Be Local, Buy Local

When you buy local, you'll be helping to shield St. Helens from the effects of the recession, bringing lasting benefits to our community.

Your next purchases can support local businesses - please consider the local options first, whether it’s your weekly food shop, a gift, a major purchase or the services of a builder, plumber or hairdresser.

Help your local shops, businesses and services, help retain jobs.

There are a number of real benefits to the community when you buy local. Your actions will help retain local businesses and services and support local jobs.

• Buying local boosts our economy

• Buying local saves you money

• Buying local protects and creates jobs 

• Shopping local helps the environment

• Local shops are for everyone

• Local shops and businesses value you more

• Buying local saves services

• Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices

• Shopping locally retains our communities

KCI has asked local people to pledge to shop local. You can do so by clicking on this  link to the Pledge to shop local page on this site.