A campaigning councillor today called for proper investment into Castle Point's small shopping centres to save them from extinction.

Tory Bill Dick is worried the constant expansion of supermarket giants, such as Sainsbury's and Tesco, could kill off smaller stores.

The St Peter's representative said: "As the main supermarkets and retail parks grow, the future viability of small shopping centres, such as those in Thundersley, are under threat.

"These shopping centres provide important local services for people who don't have cars to travel to the big out of town shopping complexes and are an important part of our local community.

"I believe we need to support retailers and encourage more local people to use them."

Mr Dick also believes more people shopping locally can benefit the wider community.

He said: "Using local shops is environmentally friendly as it reduces traffic congestion, air pollution and demand for fossil fuels."

Published Monday, April 14, 2003

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