How shopping locally in Bolton helps the community and the environment

Buying local produce and using local shops is something residents are often encourage to do, but it has never been more important to do so.

And for those living in the borough it has never been easy.

Bolton Market knows the value of shopping locally

Bolton is traditionally a market town and as well as the fantastic market in town, each district has its own local traders selling local produce.

Bolton Market is packed full of locally sourced fresh produce sold by independent traders from across the area.

So not only is it easy to do your weekly shop under one roof, the local economy benefits and it is an easy of helping the environment.

Declan Lennon sells fresh, local produce

Paul Murphy runs Wet & Wild Seafood Ltd in the market and says he enjoys being on the market.

“I have good relationships with people. Especially with Covid, it’s good to lean on each other," he said.

This relationship also benefits the customer.

Paul explained: “You get a personal touch. The fish is cleaned in front of them and cut to the customers specification and to a professional standard.

"You know you’re going to get the best.”

Declan Lennon of Walsh’s Traditional Foods added “All our produce is fresh.

"We can tell the customer where it’s come from and we’re more than happy to answer any questions they have.

“These eggs are fresh in today and will keep for three weeks. Nothing gets wasted.”

Shopping locally ensures local jobs and leads to a thriving community.

“It all helps local suppliers,” Declan added.

Fresh local produce is also the best but buying locally also helps look after the environment by reducing the carbon footprint meaning cutting the food miles.

“We’ve purchased a boat in Fleetwood,” Paul said, “and once that’s ready the fish will be straight from the sea onto the ice.”

Now customers cannot really get much fresher than tha