Pleas of small shop owners fall on deaf ears - Stunell

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 9th Apr 2004

Stockport's small shop owners were left disappointment and dejected by Gordon Brown's budget, which failed to offer badly needed relief against the cost of crime despite pleas from local MP, Andrew Stunell.

Andrew Stunell urged Gordon Brown to give 100% first year tax relief to small shop owners on money invested in specific security equipment to cut down crime, violence and intimidation.

Mr Stunell said:

"Small shop owners in Stockport are losing close to £1,000 a year to criminals. There is a 61% chance that a small shop will be hit by a robbery, burglary or violent crime each year.

"Tax breaks are a sensible low cost option put forward by the Association of Convenience Stores who asked for my help in their battle.

"I've persistently asked Gordon Brown to consider the plight of Stockport shop keepers who face the threat of crime and antisocial behaviour as many businesses throughout the UK.

"Gordon Brown should recognise that small shop owners need help to help themselves and create safer town centres in the process."

ENDS