AN East Lancashire MP went shopping in his constituency’s two main high streets and then went to Westminster to bang the drum for their retailers.

Burnley Conservative backbencher Antony Higginbotham spent Monday morning in the town and Padiham before raising the needs of their businesses with local government secretary Robert Jenrick in the House of Commons.

Mr Higginbotham asked him: “Will you reassure me you are committed to working with me to make sure that Burnley’s local economy is reinvigorated for the long term?”

Mr Jenrick replied: “I know that Burnley is benefitting from the historic high streets heritage action zones. We will also shortly bring forward the competitive round of the towns fund, where Burnley will be able to apply. I encourage your constituents to support their local business community by finding time to shop local.”