SMALL local stores are an essential part of community life in Oxfordshire, according to a new survey.

But although 77 per cent of people questioned believed a local grocery or convenience store was vital, 84 per cent of people felt they would disappear in the near future.

The research was released by retailer Spar as part of its Keep it Local campaign, which is designed to fight against the break-up of communities, highlight the plight of small business people and keep local shops open.

Morton Middleditch, managing director of Spar UK, said customers clearly still wanted to be able to buy locally.

He said: "They want the choice and they value the local High Street as an essential part of their community.

"It is alarming that current figures show 1,870 small retailers will have disappeared this year alone and this is predicted to continue at a rate of nearly eight per cent per year.

"How will customers be able to make a choice and where will their community be?"

People questioned in the Oxfordshire survey cited a pub and a church as important to a local community, but 74 per cent said a local grocery or convenience store was essential.

The Keep it Local campaign has the support of the Federation of Small Businesses as well as chambers of commerce, regional development agencies and local businesses and retailer.

Stephen Alambritis, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Over the years we have expressed concern about the future of the high street and the Keep it Local campaign will help to fight against the destruction of local communities and local businesses."

Story date: Friday 05 November

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.