Your Town Needs You: Chron launches new campaign to back independent traders, charities, pubs and venues hit by crisis

The impact of Covid-19 has been felt across Northampton since the first signs earlier in the year to the now nearly two months of lockdown restrictions.

As a local newspaper, we have reported on the personal tragedies of those affected by the virus. We’ve applauded the fantastic efforts of our Health Heroes and key workers across the county. We’ve highlighted the amazing community spirit that has emerged and we have supported shops and businesses as they battled to keep trading.

Today, we launch a new campaign that ramps up that support – Your Town Needs You.

The impact on the local economy has been devastating.

With enforced closures of pubs, cafes and entertainment venues, and the quiet streets of our town centre, many independent traders are at the brink of despair.

As elements of the lockdown regulations are eased, the last week has seen more and more businesses start the slow process of reopening.

And now is the time to show your support for them. They need you more than ever if they are to survive in the future. Our independent businesses are the heart of Northampton. They are what make us unique. They set us apart from other towns up and down the country. And they need us to help them survive.

The Chron has always been proud of its support for independent businesses and we have been doing all we can to help those who have been able to keep trading. A small number in the last couple of months, but increasing rapidly.

Earlier this week, we published a list of nearly 50 local food suppliers doing deliveries and/or takeaways.

The list is by no means definitive. There will be more to come.

There will be businesses in there that you recognise and may already support. There will be others that will be unfamiliar.

Please, look through the list, order a delivery or book a collection time. They will be very appreciative.

It’s not just independent traders that need our support.

In this week’s paper, we interview the chief executive officer of Northamptonshire Community Foundation. Charities have been hit hard. Their traditional fundraising avenues have been closed off and there are fears that some may never recover. In the coming weeks, we will be looking at how we can all help.

Our campaign will also focus on our pubs, clubs and entertainment venues.

This is the time to stand united and support those who make Northampton special.