Please join me in support of the campaign to preserve independent shops and service. It is a national campaign organised by the Federation of Small Businesses.

Click here to sign this petition now.

Chair of the FSB in York, Paul Cunniff, says that York should resist becoming a clone town, a concept described by the New Economics Foundation whereby a city's shops are part of national chains and every High Street becomes the same as every other.

Paul said, and he's not wrong, that, "The character, individuality and choice offered by independent retailers will be lost if current trends continue. I urge the people of York to support this petition and help keep the spirit of independent retailers alive."

York Green Party has fought to highlight the importance of the local shops as being vital to our communities.

I would therefore also urge you to help Keep York Special and sign the FSB petition on the No. 10 site.