Supporting local businesses is one of my top priorities, and Lancashire is home to many outstanding small local and independent businesses. Some of which, I have had the pleasure of visiting recently as part of my #LancashireLovesLocal initiative, you can read all about some of the businesses I have visited so far on my website: www.catsmith.co.uk/latest
This week I met local author Kate Eastham, and I was even lucky enough to receive a signed copy of her most recent publication The Last Letter from Paris, which I can’t wait to read over this recess period! I would encourage all of you to support our very own Lancashire based author by grabbing a copy of The Last Letter from Paris for yourself and read along with me, I know that Kate would love to see your reviews.
Small independent businesses, local authors and artists really do represent the best of our community, offering unique goods and services that the national brands simply can’t compete with, and I’m proud to back them.
It has been invaluable launching the #LancashireLovesLocal campaign, having the opportunity to hear directly about how the local economy continues to survive and thrive, and what challenges lie ahead as we slowly get back to pre-pandemic life. If you’d like me to nip down to your business and see the great work that you are doing, please drop me an email at [email protected]
I mentioned last week that the local government elections for Lancaster City Council where you elect your local councillors are in less than three months and that for the first time, you will need photo ID to vote. This is due to a change in the law (a pointless decision in my opinion) and I would hate for anyone to miss out. The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
However, you do not need photo ID if you are voting by post. To apply to vote by post, you can complete a postal vote application form and return this to Lancaster City Council by Tuesday 18 April. You will then receive your ballot paper in the post. You can contact the elections team at Lancaster City Council on [email protected] or by phone 01524 582905 to get a form to register as a postal voter.