'We are still here'- that's the message from independent businesses in Stamford
Shop Stamford is encourage people to shop locally during the difficult Christmas period.
Independent business owners in Stamford came together on Ironmonger Street yesterday, to remind the public that they are still here.
The town is currently in tier 3, meaning it's been a difficult run up to Christmas for many. The tier system will be reviewed on 16th December.
Sarah Sewell, the founder of Shop Stamford said:
"There's a lot of pubs and restaurants it's probably a bit too late for by the 16th December, which is really sad.
There's a lot of people that obviously visit the town and stay in these hotels, that then come shopping into the town, so we've missed out on all of them, we just want it to get back to normal and for everyone to be safe.
It's really tough, we've got a real battle on our hands here, we don't want the high street to go.
But, we're really lucky here in Stamford because the people are wonderful, the people are so supportive, it's like a little bubble, it's just keeping the buzz of the town and the local economy healthy."
Jo Peck, is the head of development at Stamford Endowed school and on the board of Shop Stamford:
"This year has been challenging for so many businesses, there are so many traders in the town that really deserve our support.
It's crucial for people to shop local for the survival of the town.
I've bought 98 percent of my Christmas shopping locally, every time I spend I think about where I'm spending and who that could be supporting.
Izzy, the owner of Café Black on Ironmonger street, has started selling his hot drinks through a window to keep the business going:
"It's about being here for our customers and for the locals.
We're getting closer to Christmas day, so there are more people coming into town and I'm hopeful that it will be considered to put us into tier 2 rather than continue us in tier 3.
But we will continue with our window service no matter what happens, we are here for locals."