Just as you’ve got over Christmas it’s coming up to spending time again. The shops are urging us to get equipped for Pancake Day and indulge ourselves and partners on Valentines Day.  And then it will be Easter.Meanwhile the economic downturn continues to take its toll. The Tickell Arms in Whittlesford has closed its doors and Fowlmere Village Hall is in financial crisis. I see that Skivers in Sawston is for sale, too. Some of these closures may not be directly associated with the economic crisis  but all our village shops still need support, as do all our pubs and restaurants.

In fact pubs across the country are closing at an alarming rate. People have discovered the merits of saving and, for those still spending, the supermarkets continue to make it attractive for people to drink at home. It all adds to the pressure.

So why not go out and spend a bit locally? You can’t expect the government to do it for you. And then our shops, pubs and restaurants will still be around when the economic picture improves – which eventually it will. But not a good idea to go into debt to pay for your indulgences, all the same.