As a chartered accountant, working in retail, I have first-hand experience of the challenges facing our high streets. I support reducing business rates for small business as well as preserving the unique character of our town centres.

I am delighted that the Government have awarded £6.6 million to regenerate Buxton town centre as part of the Future High Streets Fund. I have enclosed a letter from the Minister for Regional Growth, detailing the investment that Buxton will receive.

High Peak Borough Council have also signalled their intention to commit a further £4.2 million to the scheme, bringing the total funding for regeneration to over £10 million.

The regeneration scheme needs to offer more to attract families to visit the town centre. I also firmly believe that Buxton needs better public toilet facilities. Along with parliamentary colleagues, I successfully campaigned to change the law to make it cheaper to provide public toilets, by making toilets exempt from paying business rates.

I also helped secure £7million to restore Glossop Town Hall and Glossop Market Hall, which will be vital in boosting Glossop high street too.

I am also currently in dialogue with Councils, community organisations and retailers, to secure a future for struggling businesses throughout High Peak.