Newcastle Shoppers Call For More Independent Retailers

There are calls for less betting shops and more specialist food stores in Newcastle.

It's as figures from a study by the Association of Convenience Stores claim 45% of shoppers in the city believe it would be beneficial for their local area to have less bookies.

Parking charges are also a hot topic, with 46% of consumers across the UK stating reducing parking charges should be a priority.

Simone Clarkin owns specialist food shop 'Mmm and Glug' in Newcastle.

She told Metro Radio home-grown businesses are a huge part of the character of Newcastle itself.

"I think people have lost the habit sometimes of shopping in smaller. independent shops. Which is what is great about the Grainger Market because this has always been here. It is an environment where you can come and do your weekly shop with a great number of small independent traders."