Written Statement - High Street Support Campaign – “Support Your High Street”

I am pleased to let you know that we are developing a campaign to support local high streets in Wales, as outlined in our Vibrant and Viable Places Regeneration Framework.

Our nationally led and locally delivered campaign is based around the key message “Support Your High Street, Cefnogwch eich Stryd Fawr”, and will run throughout the last week of September.  

The Welsh Government will provide a national focus through a campaign identity, with national and regional public relations activity to encourage people to support their local high street.  This will provide the lead for local high streets to participate and develop and promote their own activities using the national brand and identity that we will provide.

We invited local authorities to submit towns and proposed events for this week and I have been very pleased with the response we’ve received.  My officials are in the process of finalising these events with the Local Authorities.  Here is a flavour of the initiatives and events proposed:

• Use of local social media to attract attention to the campaign
• Special offers from local traders for the duration of the campaign
• Themed markets
• Celebrations of local food and drink
• Pop up shops
• Shop window dressing competition

I am making this statement to ensure that you are all aware of this campaign and inviting you to ensure your communities are a part of this campaign week.  There will be opportunities across Wales to attend events.