WI launches fight to save High Street

The organisation says town centres are the hub of communities up and down the country – but they are being threatened due to the continued rise of internet shopping and reductions in consumer spending. Around 4,000 members who gathered for the National Federation of Women’s Institute’s national conference in Cardiff at the weekend gave their backing to a new resolution calling for action on the High Street.

Officials hope the organisation’s clout in terms of its membership size could make an impact on decision makers.

The decision was lauded by actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones – who was guest speaker at the conference.

He said: “I am not ashamed to speak of my pride for the High Street.

“They are our front rooms, our drawing rooms and our nation. We need to look after them and make them interesting.”