The loss of independent shops and unique High Streets is not inevitable. The right regulatory changes could stem the tide - and planning guidance is already helping to protect town centres. The local campaigns page shows just how many campaign groups there are fighting planning applications by supermarkets. Many of these also involve campaigns to support local shops.

Take action – whether you are a trader or just concerned about supporting local shops

Support local shops

Friends of the Earth is running a Shop Local First campaign to support groups promoting local shops. The campaign can provide resources to raise awareness of the advantages of local shops, posters, and leaflets. For further information or to receive the campaign pack please contact Richard Hines. By promoting local shops we can enhance diversity, and increase the vitality and stability of local economies. For more information and ideas, see Friends of the Earth's Shop Local First this Christmas briefing.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) campaigns on behalf of the convenience stores it represents, and was instrumental in lobbying for the new market investigation into supermarkets by the Competition Commission.

Local Food initiatives
Local food initiatives and organisations have been set up around the UK to support the local food sector and build healthier and more sustainable food production systems. See the Food Links UK website for information on initiatives taking place around the country.

Local Action on Food Network
The Local Action on Food is a network that supports local and regional activity promoting healthy and sustainable food. Established in 2008, it seeks to represent and help members of the network, by running projects, organising events, sharing good practice and offering members other support services. The network is co-ordinated by SUSTAIN.

City Farms and Community Gardens
City Farms and Community Gardens are community-based projects, primarily in urban areas, which provide green spaces and build community relationships and an awareness of gardening and farming. They include food-growing, courses and school visits, allotments and other community facilities. There are 59 City Farms and over 1000 Community Gardens in the UK, as well as school farms and community-managed allotments, attracting an estimated 500,000 volunteers a year. Visit the website to find out what is happening in your area.

Grow your own food
You can reduce environmental and financial costs by growing your own vegetables. Visit the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners website to find information on allotments and an allotment near you, and visit the Allotments UK website for information on allotments

Where you can shop: positive alternatives

Street markets
Street markets can offer good quality produce at cheap prices, particularly for fresh fruit and vegetables.  A report carried out by the New Economics Foundation for the London Development Agency showed the benefits street markets have for local economies and communities in London, offering fresh produce at 30% less than at supermarkets. See also a case study by the New Economics Foundation on Queen’s Market in East London.

For further information on street markets, see the National Market Trader’s Federation, which has a search facility listing street markets across the UK.

Please read an article in the Ecologist, 11th September 2009 by Tom Hodgkinson "Bring back real markets" - Tom Hodgkinson lays out the case for the return of street markets. Wouldn't we all be better off living outside the box?

Farmers markets
Farmers markets provide an offer of good quality produce from local producers. Research has show that the prices are broadly competitive with supermarkets. At farmers’ markets, growers and producers are present in person to sell their produce direct to the public. There are over 500 farmers markets in the UK, half of which are certified by FARMA. For more information and to locate a farmers’ market in your area, see the National Association of Farmers’ Markets website.

Veg Box Schemes
Vex box schemes around the country deliver organic produce direct from local producers to consumers. See the www.vegboxschemes.co.uk to locate a scheme near you.