Senior councillors have encouraged shoppers across Wrexham and Flintshire to turn to their local businesses when doing their Christmas preparations.

In recent weeks, the Leader spoke with traders in both areas about the benefits of supporting small businesses and high streets.

Now, senior councillors from Flintshire and Wrexham County Councils have echoed the call to shop local - with members of the public being reminded that when it comes to the offering of our high streets, it's a case of "use it or lose it."

Flintshire Council's cabinet member for environment and economy, Councillor David Healey, said: “The cost of living crisis and rising energy bills are having a real impact on our local traders, so now more than ever they need your support.

“We know times are hard for our residents too, but shopping local this Christmas doesn’t mean having to spend more money. 

"We are lucky here in Flintshire to have an abundance of businesses selling handmade or locally sourced items which make for lovely gifts and help to support the local economy.

“When you choose to buy from local businesses, you are also helping the environment.

"Local shopping means fewer miles travelled and lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

Wrexham Council's lead member for Economy, Councillor Nigel Williams, said: “It’s more important than ever that we support our local businesses.

“As well as the national chains we have a fantastic range of small independent businesses that need your support.

"It’s important to shop local but never more than at Christmas time as this period when we spend extra on goods is vital to many businesses that helps support them throughout the rest of the year.

"The internet can be convenient but you do not get the same experience as being in shops and getting the opportunity to soak up the Christmas atmosphere here in Wrexham.

“It truly is a case of use it or lose it.”