Siân Gwenllian, the Arfon constituency’s MS, has urged residents to ‘buy local’ for Christmas this year.

Ms Gwenllian was Gwynedd's Small Business Champion during her time as a county councillor, and she has appealed to residents support smaller business this Christmas, citing the ‘countless’ economic and environmental benefits of doing so.

She said: “Shopping local isn’t just important in safeguarding the viability of our local shopping streets, but it’s also the wise thing to do economically and environmentally.

“Endless studies show that people turned to buying local during the pandemic.

“If local shops and businesses benefited from a permanent change to our shopping habits after COVID-19, we would all benefit.

“The statistics are striking. For every £1 spent in independent businesses, 63p stays in the local economy; In our towns, villages and cities.

“Having a thriving entrepreneurial spirit in our local areas creates jobs and boosts local communities.

“Locally-run businesses are much more likely to appreciate our custom, and therefore often have a better, more personal shopping experience.

“It also means that we do our bit to keep the distinctive, independent communities that are characteristic of Arfon. And here in Gwynedd, we are spoilt for choice.

“Supporting local businesses is also environmentally savvy.

“We have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint, and reduce our food miles, buying from local producers rather than buying products that have travelled thousands of miles before reaching the shelves.”

Ms Gwenllian made the comments in light of her party, Plaid Cymru, ratifying a Co-operation Agreement with the Welsh Government.

It is a move that, according to Ms Gwenllian, is ‘good news for local, Welsh economies’.

She added: “The agreement, supported by 94 per cent of Plaid Cymru members in our autumn conference, has clear commitments to local procurement, both in our progressive free school meals and community food policies.

“Additionally, the agreement’s commitment to exploring targets to increase Welsh public sector procurement from the current 52 per cent and the inclusion of Plaid Cymru’s Arfor scheme to promote local entrepreneurship is good news for local, Welsh economies.”