We are not living in a museum

Everything about us is a reflection of our quirks and character traits, our own personal identity – and it is what makes each person interesting.

Cities are much the same – the quirks and character of a city are what make it the place that it is, and that's what makes us want to live there, what makes us proud to be part of it, and why others choose to visit.

However, Salisbury is in danger of losing its personality.

Many of our lovely, local businesses are struggling, and a shocking amount will be gone by this time next year unless we start supporting them.

Chains are great, and often help make life quicker and easier, but local businesses give a city individuality, and encourage a sense of community.

Whether they are original and interesting restaurants, cafés and bars, or unique one-off shops.

Busloads of tourists troop around the cathedral and follow a medieval trail around the city – they come for the history, but what about the present? What about the future?

It’s vital to retain and protect all that is important from the past, but we are not living in a museum – there also needs to be contemporary, vibrant, thriving, varied, interesting local businesses that will help us keep moving forwards, and make people want to return and invest in our city. Salisbury Independents’ Week aims to promote and support local businesses and starts on June 30, supported by 'free after three' parking in Culver Street car park.

If you're unsure exactly which local businesses are independent, there's a handy list on salisburyindies.co.uk which goes live on June 29, along with special promotions which are available throughout the next week.

I’m going to pop in to many of them to show support, and make an effort to buy local as much as possible, because it really is a case of 'use it or lose it'.