It was a winter wonderland when I turned on the festive lights in Midsomer Norton recently. Thank you to the Town Council and all concerned in organising an amazing evening. My highlight was the children queuing up to see Santa. The tasty mince pies and the band got us all in fine festive spirit. We even had snow!

But it’s been tough for our high streets with the pandemic and lockdowns and I know our brilliant independent retailers need all the support they can get right now. Many shop-keepers are approaching this yuletide season with a real sense of trepidation. For some, Christmas literally is make or break as it is the festive sales that keep them afloat for the rest of the year. So please get out and give them your wholehearted support.

As we grab a shopping bag and head out in the run-up to Christmas our spending habits change. Book sales double. We also spend on

average almost £740 more in December, according to Bank of England figures – 29% more than in a typical month.

Of course our local high streets give us great reasons to spend. From world-class food and drink producers, to crafts, manufacturers and fantastic local pubs and restaurants, we really are blessed in our region. So, this Christmas, I’m encouraging everyone to shop, buy, eat and give local.

Mandatory masks are back on the high street and I do welcome this move as I want to keep Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Paulton and all the West of England safe and open. As a region we have shown the way in how best to keep loved ones and communities safe by wearing masks for months. Let’s keep at it.

And while out Christmas shopping let’s keep being kind to shop workers. I was shocked by some of the experiences I heard from local people as part of Respect for Shop Workers week. Violence and threats simply shouldn’t be part of any job.

This year my thoughts are particularly with those who, for whatever reason, will be spending the holiday alone and to all those who will be working to allow the rest of us to enjoy a break.

As we approach a second festive holiday during this long pandemic, and with considerable uncertainty over the coming weeks, I’m

specially keen to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and a peaceful and successful 2022.