"The recent inflation figures are pretty dire. Local companies, be they the brickworks at Ewhurst or Marks and Spencer are clearly finding the economy difficult.  Recently Alistair Darling spoke about inflation on the radio and seemed to blame everyone for it except himself!  Families, the elderly and single households are all having to reduce their expenditure.  One useful way of helping your local economy is to shop locally - if you can. Walk to your local shops and support your local businesses. If mobility is difficult for you, then see if your neighbours can help or use the internet. In any case you'll be saving money and at the same time helping the environment. You’ll also have the added satisfaction of knowing that the 74 pence tax in every pound of the cost of petrol will not be going to Gordon Brown."