CREDITON is “Open for Business” according to local MP Mel Stride, who was in town on Monday, enjoying a coffee with a few local residents and viewing the new tables put out in the Town Square.

He is appealing to residents in and around the town to support local traders and businesses trying to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mel said: “The Government has done a great deal to support local businesses. In our Central Devon constituency businesses have received over £26 million in grants, 12,000 employees have been furloughed and over £50 million of bounce back loans have been provided. But the Government can only do so much.

“If businesses are to survive we need spending habits to return to normal as quickly as possible.”

Dan Webb, who owns Crediton Coffee Company in Market Street, said: "It was great to see Mel in Crediton pushing the important message that Crediton is very much open for business.

“Our shops are being very responsible when it comes to social distancing – it is as safe as it can be to come here for coffee or visit any of our shops and we need local residents to support us.”