Yorkshire council call-to-arms over pandemic hit market town

Doncaster County Council has issued a call to arms to support the small town of Mexborough and its local businesses.

In the last 18 months, Mexborough high street has struggled with limited numbers using the town centre.

Cllr Glyn Jones, cabinet member for housing and business, said: “We are encouraging residents of Mexborough and the surrounding areas to continue to use Mexborough high street and the town centre and give it a try if they haven’t visited for a while.

“Now Covid restrictions have been lifted it is more important than ever to support our local businesses whenever we can. Let’s get behind our businesses and buy local.”

The high street has a selection of independent shops, national retailers and local market traders. Businesses based in Mexborough can sign up to a town-based e-commerce website that provides a 24-hour shop window and customers with an alternative way to shop in the town.

Dave Binns, Mexborough Market stallholder, D&K Bargains, said: “People must have thought we were crazy setting up our business during a pandemic.

“We only ever had one town in mind, Mexborough has a wealth of heritage and so much potential and we felt we could add something as a small business to the town.”

Cllr Sean Gibbons, Mexborough Ward Member, said: “Mexborough town centre has a lot to offer. It is really encouraging to see new businesses popping up all over town. It is very important for the local economy that people support our local businesses and ‘Shop Local’.

“In Mexborough town centre, there is an increasing variety of offerings from butchers to bakers, florists to jewellers, shoe shops to pit stops. Call in and support your local shops.”