TENBURY SHOPS are getting a Christmas boost with local people taking advantage of late night shopping on Thursday nights.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin made a visit to the town for some festive shopping to support local traders.

She picked up Christmas wrapping, cards and decorations at shops on the high street during a morning of shopping in the town centre.

“Having chatted to Tenbury traders, it is clear that the late night shopping initiative is bringing extra business into the town and with the roadworks now complete, the town looks fabulous,” said Mrs Baldwin.

“At this time of year, I support local traders and try to encourage as many people as possible to take the time to browse local independent stores for Christmas gifts.

“There is a great range of stores in the town centre and the feedback from local people is that this should be a really good Christmas for traders of all sizes.”

The late night shopping is just part of a programme of activities to encourage people to shop in the town in the run-up to Christmas.

It is a critically important time for local traders, in particular those involved in selling gifts and Christmas items.

The town’s Chamber of Trade spends thousands of pounds each year to improve the lights that are turned on before the other market towns in the area in a bid to give Tenbury a head start.

Another initiative from the Chamber is the Santa Parade on the first Saturday in December which co-insides with the Mistletoe Festival that brings people into the town from the West Midlands and the Marches.

Work on improving the town centre has been put on hold to avoid disruption. A limited free parking offer has also been provided by Malvern Hills District Council.

Traders will be waiting to discover the impact of the new Tecsco Store.