The Harborough Mail is campaigning to save the shops of Lutterworth following reports that trade in town has slipped by up to 25 per cent and shops are closing.

Mail editor Brian Dodds said the newspaper had provided local traders with Save Our Shops posters to display in their windows.

He also said that some local people feel the problem has resulted from new parking charges that have been introduced in the town.

Brian said: "We have taken the stance that the people who have been hit hardest by the parking charges are the people who work in the town each day and contribute to its prosperity.

"Lutterworth is typical of a small market town and we have listed the variety of shops that can be found out there.

"As the local paper for Lutterworth we are always very keen to fight for something that we believe will benefit the community and simply by highlighting this we hope we can make a difference."