This lockdown has been really terrible for local businesses. Now that is has finished, I would encourage everybody to get out in the high street and do your Christmas shopping locally.

There are some wonderful shops locally, lots of little quirky shops and some nice chain stores too, so you’ll be able to find everything you want for Christmas gifts in the high streets of South Hams.

So please support our high streets. 

Judy Pearce, Leader of SHDC

Your local retailer has a wealth of knowledge about the stock they hold, ready to support you. Something that is hard to find when shopping online.

Whether buying for the young or old, shoppers can buy those individual gifts that are fun to shop for. You'll be inspired, especially when you're looking for something special for those tricky-to-buy-for family members and friends! There is less wastage and fuss too. When you're ordering online, things often need to be returned if they're unsuitable, or don't fit. That's something you rarely get when buying in person.

Businesses are working really hard to include hand sanitiser, reduced numbers in shops, one-way systems and signs to make sure they have all the Covid measures in place to keep themselves, their staff and you safe when out shopping. Our Covid Compliance Officers are also out and about to help support the businesses to get it right so everyone is kept safe to shop without worrying.

While you're shopping, have you thought about using craft materials for wrapping your presents differently this year for a greener Christmas with less waste? Be inventive and do your bit for Climate Change.

Cllr Keith Baldry, Executive Member, SHDC

All the shops need your support, not only the shops where you buy your fruit and veg, cheese and meat, but all the shops, cafes and hospitality places too. When I finished my shopping recently, I went to have a coffee and a mince pie. It's all part of the experience of shopping in our high street.

As an older person, I do feel vulnerable, but I feel quite safe going into the shops in Totnes. Most of the shops have a maximum of two people at a time and people need to observe the social distancing both in and out of the shops. #SupportTotnes

Cllr Judy Pearce, Ward Member Salcombe and Thurlestone, SHDC

I can tell you the shops in Salcombe are just waiting for you to visit. There’s a lovely, compact shopping centre with lots and lots of good gifts on offer.

There is a wide range of independent shops and some nice-quality national chain shops as well. You can also head up to Island Street, where there are lots of good things to visit there too. 

Cllr Hilary Bastone, Deputy Leader, SHDC

We want to keep all our wonderful Dartmouth shops open for the future. They need your help, but they’re also here to help you.

They’ve got special expertise where they can help you choose your gifts over Christmas and help you with your essentials in life.

It is a wonderful shopping centre and it’s an opportunity for you to come along to Duke Street, Foss Street, the Quay, Fairfax Place and Lower Street. We’ve got some wonderful shops for people to browse through and get gifts, or items that they need for the home.

We want you to get away from buying from big companies online and come and use our wonderful shops, so that our shopkeepers can keep their businesses running. #SupportDartmouth

Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, Executive Member, SHDC

Being an independent retailer myself, I know how difficult it’s been in the last 12 months. It really is important that local people come back out and shop in their town centres.

I’ve walked around Kingsbridge this morning and they’ve got a fantastic selection of over 100 independent retailers as well as some of the multi-nationals. I really would suggest that if you haven’t been to Kingsbridge for a time, come and shop here for Christmas, it’s fantastic.

Kingsbridge Mayor, Cllr Mike Jennings

We’ve got over 100 independent retailers in Kingsbridge. They all work exceptionally hard for this town. It’s a beautiful market town, and it’s really important for businesses to survive and thrive, especially at this time of year, the build up to Christmas.

With everything going on with Covid, they’ve worked really, really hard throughout this year to make the money to continue with their businesses. I think it’s really really important to show your support for the businesses. #SupportKingsbridge

Cllr Nicky Hopwood, Executive Member, SHDC

Ivybridge is really unique, it has everything in one place, all in the centre.

Ivybridge and all the towns in South Hams have unique shops that are family-owned, family-run selling unique items. Come and get complete, individually crafted gifts for the family.

Ivybridge is a great place to be, and I hope all local residents will come out and support it.

Cllr Ann Laity, Ivybridge Mayor

The shops have done a lot to decorate their windows, in a very beautiful manner. You can buy almost everything here, from cupcakes to your shoes. It’s a good variety of independents and larger shops.

Come back and have a look. There are new shops since you came last time. Come and see what you can find and spend money with the loyal shops who looked after you in the summer.

We were given £5,000 by SHDC to support the town. Some has been used for promotion, posters, publicity, extra hand sanitiser and the rest will go to supporting three weekends of free car parking in December. #SupportIvybridge

Most of our towns hold wonderful markets, where you can buy delicious home produce and locally made drinks. They also have such a huge range of vintage, woodwork, clothes, handicrafts and items which are handmade and perfect for gifts or just to treat yourself. 

If you want the personal touch, the market is the place for you, so please support our smaller traders, and meet some of the people behind these wonderful products. #SupportSouthHams

When you have been out supporting the high street, why not take a photograph of your gifts, food and other purchases and post on social media using the #SupportSouthHams, along with your own town's hashtag, saying where you bought it from?

• #SupportTotnes
• #SupportSalcombe
• #SupportKingsbridge
• #SupportDartmouth
• #SupportIvybridge
• #SupportModbury

This will further support the local businesses. Thank you for your help in supporting South Ham's high streets.