PEOPLE are being urged to show their support for their high street and shop local.

Independent business owners in Romsey have expressed their fears for the year to come - and have called for more support.

The call comes as Romsey Town Council has launched a campaign, in collaboration with ShopAppy.com, encouraging people to support their local businesses on February 14 for ‘Love Local Day’ in a bid to bolster trade.

The campaign will see one Romsey business, voted for by the public on the ShopAppy.com website, receive a gift as a token of appreciation from the community.

Lisa Mortimer, Romsey Town Council’s town and tourism co-ordinator said: "We are delighted to be joining in the 2022 Support Local campaign as it will give us all a chance to show our love for our many local businesses that provide convenience and services locally for us all to enjoy.”

Jackie Mulligan, founder of ShopAppy, said: "It has been a challenging last decade none more so than this last year for our town centres and high streets, but we know there is tremendous love for local businesses in our communities.

"So, we need to champion localism. Nominations will highlight the importance and positive impact these businesses have in the life of our communities and commercial hearts and how critical they are to our social and economic lives.”

However many business owners said they felt the scheme does not go far enough, and they said that rates are too high and not enough is being done to bring people to the town.

Julie Ayliffe, who manages Paperchain, in The Hundred, said: "We have done really well because we've got regular customers and a lot more people are shopping local rather than going into Southampton because of the pandemic.

"We've got loyal customers that come to us regularly but with events, there's too much being done in The Square and not enough migrates down here."

Manager of Roundabout Toys in The Hundred, who wished not to be named, said: "We don't get any help at all from the council. Not so many people do shop in the High Street and it's also difficult getting stock. It's been really hard."

A new Centre for Cities report revealed the pandemic has cost many places in the south east more than half a year's worth of high street sales.

Since March 2020, lockdowns and Covid-19 has cost city and large town centres over half a year’s worth of potential takings since March 2020

Peter Speirs, owner of Humbugs Confectionery in Latimer Street, said: "Trade wasn't too bad. It was a bit down but that was because we didn't have enough stock because of how things have been.

"Test Valley have been very good. I got my grants from Test Valley which was helpful, however there could be a bit more support from the council. The rates could be cheaper for small businesses."

To nominate your favourite Romsey business go to ShopAppy.com/love-localday-2022 before February 12.