Labour's shadow chief secretary to the Treasury has hailed our town's independent businesses.

In an exclusive interview with Hitchin Nub News during a visit on Thursday, Bridget Phillipson praised the community spirit shown by people, organisations and businesses in our town during the Covid pandemic.

The Labour big hitter embarked on a tour of Hitchin with town centre manager Tom Hardy and was impressed with what she saw, while taking on concerns raised.

"It's been a fantastic morning here in Hitchin to meet so many local traders. It has been really hard for businesses but they've come through it with fantastic support from local Labour councillors.

"I did hear concerns from some traders that not all government support has been available to them particularly cut-off dates around the furlough scheme - and that's really disappointing.

"Support from government hasn't always matched the needs that local businesses are facing. But I'm confident that Hitchin has a really bright future ahead of it - it's a wonderful place.

"If people are spending a lot more time closer to home hopefully they will continue to support local traders and shop local."

Ms Phillipson, a rising star in the Labour party, after first being elected to Parliament in 2010, and promoted to the shadow cabinet by leader Keir Starmer last year, took a tour of town centre including businesses in The Arcade.

Despite pressure on 'High Street' shops and stores the shadow minister was impressed by the number of independent businesses that are starting to thrive once again in our town after three lockdowns in 13 months.

Speaking exclusively to HNN in Market Place, Ms Phillipson MP said: "There is a really strong sense of community spirit here in Hitchin and people have pulled together incredibly during the pandemic.

"I think people really appreciate the efforts that family run businesses have made when going above and beyond in helping the community, particularly those supporting vulnerable people who have had a really tough time.

"As we're coming up to the summer it's really great to see so many open air spaces being used to support local businesses who really need that support at this time."

Hitchin town centre boss Tom was on hand to give the shadow cabinet member an informative tour and spoke to Nub News during the visit.

Busy Tom explained he thought it was good for the town that Ms Phillipson visited and hoped that she could take information back to Westminster.

He added that issues around business rates and grant funding were raised during discussions and hoped that concerns would be fed back to parliament.

"We're always open for members of all different political parties to come to Hitchin," he said.

"With the local elections coming up it's important for politicians to meet with different councillors of all persuasions to come and learn more about our town.

'Because we are a good example of how a town can bounce back after the pandemic."

Hitchin councillors Judi Billing and Ian Albert were also present during the visit.

"We're very pleased to have her her along today to show off our lovely town," said the respected, long-servng local councillor, who added: "Which is helped by Hitchin being a Labour town. Let's hope we can keep it as a Labour council."

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Local elections are fast approaching and Hitchin Nub News will be covering democracy in action in a fair and unbiased way.

As always Nub News take a neutral political position - but whatever your political stance we urge residents to go out and vote to make your voice heard. And as you will read in our story it is absolutely safe to visit the ballot box next week.

Please note we will be providing a platform for those candidates who wish to use it.

We believe local journalism has a part to play in the democratic process by reporting on the coming days.

Purdah is a convention not a law, and if a candidate or a party decides they would like to share their news and quotes with our many thousands of readers - and voters - we will not to be afraid to run their opinion.

This invitation extends to each and every candidate from every political party.

And we can assure you we will we absolutely fair to all, regardless of political party.

HNN holds no political allegiance and favours no politician. What we care about is fair and honest reporting of a hugely important democratic process that has been overlooked for far too long.

These forthcoming local elections are simply too important not to cover beforehand - and we cannot stress enough that the purdah convention is exactly that. A convention, not a law. Free speech in a democracy is vital to the long term health of this country.

Memo to political candidates: Don't say you haven't been invited.

And to our many, many thousands of readers of every political persuasion - HNN urges you to get out and vote next Thursday - it's too important not to make your voice heard, whoever you vote for.

So, if you are a candidate you are invited to email us anything you would like to share to [email protected].

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FULL LIST OF NORTH HERTS CANDIDATES

Thursday May 6 is polling day and the clock is ticking for you to decide which candidate or party you will vote for.

Taking part in the process of local democracy will ensure you make your voice heard by the people who are there to serve YOU.

Here is a full list of candidates in the Hertfordshire County Council elections in North Herts divisions. Listed alphabetically.

North Herts

Baldock and Letchworth East

Leo Chapman, Labour Party

Tim Lee, Green Party

Michael Muir, Conservative Party

Richard Winter, Liberal Democrat

Hitchin North

Judi Billing, Labour and Co-operative Party

John Bishop, Conservative Party

Sid Cordle, Christian Peoples Alliance

Andrew Ircha, Liberal Democrats

Mary Marshall, Green Party

Hitchin Rural

Daisy Appoh, Christian Peoples Alliance

David Barnard, Conservative Party

Anton Jungreuthmayer, Labour Party

Marilyn Parkin, Liberal Democrats

Anni Sander, Green Party

Hitchin South

Derrick Ashley, Conservative Party

Barbara Clare, Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts

Paul Clark, Liberal Democrats

Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, Labour and Co-operative Party

Sam Larsen, Green Party

Leigh Smith, Christian Peoples Alliance

Knebworth and Codicote

Doug Jenner, Labour Party

Katrina Nice, Green Party

Richard Thake, Conservative Party

Terry Tyler, Liberal Democrats

Letchworth North

Tina Bhartwas, Labour and Co-operative Party

Simon Bloxham, Conservative Party

Jerry Evans, Liberal Democrats

Letchworth South

Amy Allen, Labour and Co-operative Party

Alan Borgars, Green Party

Terry Hone, Conservative Party

Garry Warren, Reform UK

Phil Weeder, LIberal Democrats

Royston East and Ermine

Ruth Brown, Liberal Democrats

Fiona Hill, Conservative Party

Stephen Lockett, Labour Party

Steven Turner, Green Party

Royston West and Rural

George Davies, Conservative Party

Ken Garland, Labour and Co-operative Party

Steve Jarvis, Liberal Democrats