Vince Cable backs independent campaign to keep Stockbridge local!

6.00.00pm GMT Mon 16th Mar 2009

Kevin Lang (left) and Alex Cole-Hamilton (right) welcome Dr Vince Cable's support for the independent community campaign in Stockbridge.

The respected Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Dr Vince Cable MP, has added his name in support of the independent community campaign to "Keep Stockbridge Local" in protest at a possible new supermarket on Raeburn Place, which could put the future of a dozen small local shops in jeopardy.

The Woolworths store on Raeburn Place closed down as part of the national collapse of the company earlier this year. Now there are plans for a possible supermarket chain to take over the vacant building and open a new store.

A new independent community campaign has been organised by the Stockbridge & Inverleith Community Council and Stockbridge Traders' Association, against plans to bring another major supermarket into the area. Over 3,000 local people in Stockbridge and Inverleith have already added their names in support, concerned at the devastating impact such a store would have on the area's many small independent retailers.

Dr Vince Cable MP backed the campaign to support small local shops in the area. He said,

"There has to be a proper, fair balance between local businesses and their largest rivals. I know very well from my own constituency the harm that can be caused when poor planning decisions allow local shops to be overwhelmed by supermarkets and I wholeheartedly support this local campaign in Stockbridge."

Local Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith, Kevin Lang added:

"My family's butcher shop ran in North Edinburgh for over 100 years so this is a campaign very close to my heart. With a Waitrose just along the road and a Sainsburys just over a mile away, there is no need for another big supermarket in Stockbridge. There is a very real danger that another supermarket will make it even more difficult for small local traders, many of whom are struggling in the economic downturn.

"Part of the charm of Stockbridge and its community feel is the many varied small shops along Raeburn Place. That is why this independent local campaign being run by the community council and the traders' association is so important. We will be doing everything we can to support it and to keep Stockbridge local."