This week we launched our Back in Business campaign helping Lancashire firms get back on their feet. Today JOE HARRIGAN reports on a campaign to get the economy going in Hyndburn.

‘THINK about Hyndburn and shop locally’ ­— that is the message from community leaders as businesses emerge from the coronavirus lockdown.

Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson joined Hyndburn and Haslingden MP Sara Britcliffe and councillor Marlene Haworth to launch #ThinkHyndburn, which dovetails with the Lancashire Telegraph’s very own Back in Business campaign in support of local firms across the area as lockdown eases.

County cllr Parkinson added: “If we all work together our local economy can recover and thrive. We need to see a shift in mindset, everything you need can be bought in Hyndburn – by choosing local businesses you are supporting workers, families and our community.”

#ThinkHyndburn has seen towns across the borough festooned with banners, flags and signs in an effort to encourage shoppers to take advantage of their newly restored freedoms.

One early success story has been Great Harwood’s Great British Fish and Chip Bank, which opened in the midst of lockdown and has built a loyal customer base.

Owner Paul Hacker said: “It was just a shell when we took it over but business has picked up a lot now, sales have picked up a lot over the weekend particularly over Father’s Day.

“We’ve gained more than 100 people on Facebook so it’s obviously created more interest. You just have to keep going and people are generally happy now that the council’s got involved.”

Campaign organisers are now encouraging other businesses to get involved and to share success stories, while the Telegraph is looking to bang the drum for businesses getting back on their feet.

Ms Britcliffe said: “It’s vital that people come together and that we do all we can to support our businesses and seeing our local newspapers join with us to support this initiative is great news for the community.”

Councillor Marlene Haworth said: “I can say with confidence that our townships are clean, safe and ready for business.”

To find out more about our campaign or to be featured, contact reporter Joe Harrigan at Joe.Harrigan@newsquest.co.uk.