The Use It or Lose It campaign in the Norfolk Broads is backing a private member's bill being put forward by Liberal Democrat MP Julia Goldsworthy, which would mean the Government has to help councils and local communities to promote the use of local shops.

The Use It or Lose It scheme was put together by Norfolk councillor Barbara McGoun, who used to run a shop in Hampshire. She had to close it when the Post Office pulled out and takings fell to £30 a day. The campaign has already had some success in Horning, with local shops seeing an upturn in trade.

Ms McGoun told the Eastern Daily Press:

"We need to do something now to help keep these shops open before it's too late.

"People don't have to stop going to supermarkets but just don't forget about shopping at your village store once a week."