Opposition call for more help for businesses

THE Liberal Democrat group has called on Brentwood Council to give more support to businesses and residents as the credit crunch bites.

At a meeting of the policy board last week, leader David Kendall tabled a motion suggesting a number of measures, including increasing funding for the Citizens Advice Bureau, bringing down payment times to small businesses from twenty to ten days, and using local firms for supplies and services.

Mr Kendall said: "Whilst I welcome the steps that have already been taken far more could be done to introduce some specific measures that could make a real difference to local businesses including lower payment times and a commitment to using local firms."

The council is set to publish a Credit Crunch Action Plan including details of a campaign to Keep Trade Local.

A free retail conference will also be put on in July.

Council leader Brandon Lewis said: "The current climate is proving very difficult for all of us, including councils.

"However, we firmly believe that by working together with the whole community to support commercial organisations within the borough we can ease that burden."