Keep it local – support Dartford’s businesses.

The Messenger this week launches its campaign to help and support the borough’s businesses.

As the recession tightens its grip, Dartford’s local firms need the support of local people more than ever before.

Backed by Dartford Borough Council and its Town Centre Partnership, we want to encourage you to throw your support behind the borough’s shops, restaurants, takeaways, market stalls, other firms and traders.

Dartford has experienced many ups and downs in the past but the arrival of the Thames Gateway regeneration project has led to increasing interest in the borough as a place to live and work.

As a result Dartford is becoming a major player in the Government-led project. It also means the town, and borough as a whole, has plenty to look forward to.

With the regeneration of Lowfield Street soon to be on the cards and work at The Bridge taking shape, as well as a number of other projects and developments in the pipeline, the borough’s years ahead are very bright.

There is also the arrival of the high speed trains later this year - which will go further to strengthening its position.

There is no doubt that the recession is sure to dampen spirits, but it won’t and shouldn’t affect Dartford’s ability and desire to succeed.

By supporting local retailers and other small firms, you are contributing to a local economy which is responsible for the jobs of hundreds of people in Dartford.

In turn you’re contributing to the wage packets of local people and insuring their own financial stability.

Cllr Patsy Thurlow, portfolio holder for the town centre said: “It is a great idea to encourage people into the town centre and I think it is an idea that the people of Dartford would really get behind.”