JAMES Frith has promised to work to bring more investment to Ramsbottom after carrying out a tour of small businesses in the town.

On Saturday, the Bury North MP visited 20 businesses, ranging from hairdressers to clothing stores to restaurants and a pet shop, and met with owners and their employees to discuss the issues facing their businesses and the town.

Top of the list were traffic and parking concerns, but business owners also said they wanted to see more diversity in the retail offering, as well as suitable redevelopment of brownfield sites, such as the old Mondi site at the end of Bridge Street, to bring more visitors to the town.

The visit was part of Small Business Saturday, a grassroots campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to support small businesses in their communities.

Mr Frith said: “The work our independent businesses do helps to keep Ramsbottom unique and it was great to see so many local businesses supporting Small Business Saturday.

“I welcomed the opportunity to discuss their concerns and the ways I can champion local businesses as the town’s new MP.

“My wife started her small business on Rammy Market and I’ve always admired the way everyone works together in the town and is passionate about making Rammy a great place to visit. I’ll be raising the local issues business owners put to me with me with Bury Council and working nationally to bring more investment to our town.

“I hope that by working together we will be able to make some positive changes to address the issues with parking and traffic and bring appropriate development to the old Mondi site which would benefit the whole town.”