Ontelly

Farming Today - Farming Today This Week

Logo for Farming Today - Farming Today This Week

What does it take for a rural area to survive a recession? The Association of Market Towns says the coutryside is being hit harder than urban areas. The Federation of Small Businesses says 13 rural pubs close each week and up to 500 village shops will shut this year. Charlotte Smith visits Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire to look at what impact the downturn is having and how areas are fighting back. Are 'shop-local' schemes enough or do the NIMBYs have to accept that new housing may be the key to their town's survival?