Page 36 - Demo

36 Phonebox Magazine | November 2025Over the past year, I%u2019ve spent time meeting small business owners and community groups across our towns and villages. These conversations remind me how important our high streets are, not just places to shop, but the heart of our community. Local businesses create jobs, bring people together, and build pride in our area. When they thrive, the whole community benefi ts.Supporting small businesses has always been one of my top priorities. Whether it%u2019s family-run caf%u00e9s, independent shops, or local service providers, their determination and creativity inspire me. That%u2019s why I%u2019ll continue to fi ght for more support, both locally and in Parliament.But I know many shopkeepers are facing real challenges. Shoplifting has reached record levels nationally, and we%u2019ve seen it increase on our own high streets. I%u2019ve spoken to business owners who are deeply worried about the impact of theft on their livelihoods and staff safety.Part of the problem is that the previous government weakened the law by making theft under %u00a3200 a summary-only off ence. In practice, this meant many off ences weren%u2019t investigated. Shoplifters were eff ectively given a green light to keep off ending, knowing the chances of facing consequences were slim. It sent the wrong message %u2013 to off enders and to hardworking shopkeepers who deserve protection.That situation was made worse by recent comments from our local Police and Crime Commissioner, who said it was the responsibility of individuals to stop shoplifters themselves. I think that%u2019s completely unacceptable. It should never fall on shopworkers or the public to put themselves in danger. Tackling crime is the job of the police and government, and they must have the resources and powers to do it properly.Keeping our communities safe also means addressing everyday issues. That%u2019s why I recently attended the MK North East Rural Community Forum in Emberton to discuss speeding and rural road safety. From Astwood to Moulsoe, residents spoke passionately about how fast-moving traffi c makes roads feel unsafe for pedestrians, cyclists, and children.I%u2019ll continue working with Parish Councils, Thames Valley Police, and Milton Keynes City Council to explore practical solutions, like better signage, improved crossings, and traffi c-calming measures. I%u2019ve also off ered to visit areas most aff ected by speeding to help push for further action.The good news is that the government is already taking steps to put things right. We%u2019re hiring thousands of new police offi cers, strengthening protections for shop workers, and restoring accountability across the justice system. Shoplifting and abuse of retail staff will once again be treated seriously, and local police forces will be supported to act quickly and consistently when crimes are reported.This is not just about supporting business. It%u2019s about creating safer, more welcoming town centres. By reducing crime and antisocial behaviour, and supporting well-run local enterprises, we can make our high streets places people want to spend time again. When local people are empowered to shape their high streets, we see more family-friendly, community-focused spaces that everyone can enjoy.I know how much pride local residents take in our towns. I see it in the shopkeepers who open early and close late, in the volunteers who give up their weekends to improve shared spaces, and in the residents who care deeply about keeping our towns vibrant and welcoming. It%u2019s that same community spirit that gets things done.Working with local Councillors and the Environment Agency, we recently reported overgrown weeds along our rivers to help prevent fl ooding, and I%u2019m pleased that clearance work has now begun. It%u2019s been a challenging year, with prolonged dry weather and unusually low water levels causing faster weed growth, but by raising these concerns together, we%u2019ve ensured action is being taken.I%u2019d also like to thank the Newport Pagnell Flood Group for their continued hard work and dedication in keeping on top of these issues and supporting eff orts to protect the town. This shows what we can achieve when residents, councillors, volunteers, and agencies all work together.Ultimately, revitalising our high streets is about more than bricks and mortar. It%u2019s about bringing people together, creating opportunities, and restoring pride in the places we call home. By working together, we can ensure our high streets remain vibrant, safe, and welcoming spaces for everyone.As your MP, I will keep standing up for our small businesses and working with local people to make sure our high streets get the support they need to thrive.Chris CurtisMP for Milton Keynes NorthAs a l w ay s , p l e a se fo l l ow m y F a c e b o o k p a g e (@ChrisCurtisLabour) for frequent news and updates from both Westminster and our constituency. If you ever need my assistance, or would like to attend one of my constituency surgeries, please don%u2019t hesitate to get in touch with my offi ce via chris.curtis.mp@parliament.uk