Shop local message packs a punch

RICKY “The Hit Man” Hatton has a message that should hit the spot for independent traders this Christmas.

The former world champion boxer is backing Tameside Council’s campaign to encourage people to shop local.

And to drive home the message,  he wheeled out his Trotters’ Independent Traders robin reliant van - his treasured showbiz memorabilia from the hit 80’s and 90’s TV show Only Fools and Horses.

Ricky who grew up in Hattersley and lives in Gee Cross said: “I’m very proud of coming from Tameside and want to see our local towns and businesses thrive. Please everyone, get behind supporting Tameside independent traders and shop local.”

The campaign follows on from Tameside councillors making a public pledge to do their shopping in the borough this Christmas at the meeting of full council on Tuesday 3 December.

Their public promise came only days before Small Business Saturday (7 December) which highlights small and medium-sized companies that provide a personalised alternative to the mass-produced offerings of anonymous national retailers.

Clllr Stephen Homer, Tameside Council’s executive member for towns and communities, said: “A big thank you to Ricky for helping us to highlight our shop local campaign. He is clearly passionate about supporting his local area - as we all should be. However shopping local at one of the many small shops and businesses in Tameside isn’t just public-spirited, it’s plain common sense. You get great service, great products, and for every £1 spent at a small business, at least 50p circulates back into the local economy which is a very welcome boost.”

Cllr Jacqueline Owen, assistant executive member for town and communities, who brought Ricky on board with the campaign said: “I know how proud Ricky is about his local community and how the community is proud of him. It’s great we can work together to highlight the shop local message and support our local towns.”