"NOW, more than ever, is the time to support your local, independent shops across Sedgemoor’s retail centres."

That is the message from Sedgemoor District Council who is urging people to support independent shops across the district.

SDC, Bridgwater Town Council and Bridgwater Town Team will be helping to fly the flag for independent shops and traders on Celebrating Independents' Day on Saturday (July 4) and are asking shoppers to buy at least one item from a local independent shop to celebrate the day.

A spokesperson for SDC, said:" Independents account for something in the order of 65 per cent of the approximately 290,000 retail outlets in the UK and are at the heart of local communities throughout the country. Shoppers are asked to buy at least one item from the local independent shop to celebrate the day.

"Independent retailers offer choice, diversity of product and service, tradition as well as innovation, coupled with a more personal service to customers. They create local jobs and contribute to the local and national economies. With retail spending under pressure, our smaller local shops have never needed our support more."