THE district council in West Oxfordshire is urging people to shop with independent retailers as it announces its support for Small Business Saturday.

The Small Business Saturday campaign encourages people across the country to shop locally on Saturday, December 3, which, in the run up to Christmas, is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Carterton was recently part of a national bus tour drumming up interest for the event. The tour, from Aberdeen to Bournemouth, stopped off in the town on November 14 and offered free workshops and business advice.

Cllr Jeff Haine, cabinet member for economic development, said: “Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to promote the wonderful range of small businesses and independent retailers in the district.

“We were delighted that Carterton welcomed the Small Business Saturday tour bus to West Oxfordshire and also very proud that Chipping Norton has, once again, been short-listed for a Great British High Street award.

“Witney, Burford and Woodstock are extremely popular and a huge draw for shoppers and visitors. We believe that key to the growth and success of our towns and villages is free car parking all year round.”

Last year’s Small Business Saturday reached more than 25 million people on Twitter and people spent a total of £623 million with small businesses on the day.

For more visit smallbusinesssaturdayuk.co.uk.