Ashton MP Angela Rayner has pledged to support local businesses by agreeing to help Ashton Town Team.

Two weeks ago, we reported how the Town Team were appealing to her for funding to help them continue their activities.

Now, she has agreed, and says that while MP’s do not get any funding for local organisations, she will support them in any way she can.

She said: “The past 15 months have been incredibly difficult for us all and business owners across my constituency have my utmost sympathy for what they’ve had to deal with to survive the pandemic.

“I have repeatedly pressed the government for extra support for businesses throughout all periods of lockdown restrictions and will continue to do so. I attended a meeting of the British Chambers of Commerce, which represents 75,000 businesses across 53 different local chambers to hear what targeted support they need to survive through the restrictions.

“Throughout the pandemic, our businesses have stepped up and made us all proud – changing production to make hand sanitiser, PPE and ventilators, adapting to ever-changing restrictions and lockdowns, supporting staff working from home with childcare and caring responsibilities and so much more.

“British businesses have gone above and beyond to rise to the challenge, but the government hasn’t always given them the support and the clarity they need.

“I want to see our great local businesses thrive and I want to see a growth-led recovery that allows our high streets to recover.

“The government need to step up, listen to businesses and give them the vital support they need to survive this crisis.

“Unfortunately, MPs do not receive an additional pot of funding from central government to support local organisations and good causes, such as the Ward Monies allocation which Councillors receive from the local authority, however I will always support the work of Ashton Town Team in any way I can.”

Kevin Taylor, Chair of Ashton Town Team, said: "The Town Team are grateful for the offer of contributions to the Town Team Tombola from Angela Rayner and for her pledge to support town centre events when she is able. 

“It is one of the ways we can help raise money to support the group’s activities in the town centre as we recover from the pandemic.”

Read more from the Tameside Reporter

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper