John Mann MP has pledged to fight for the future of newsagents in Bassetlaw.

The commitment came after it was revealed that traditional newsagents are being forced to shut up shop at a rate of more than one every day.

Developments in the news distribution industry - the businesses that deliver newspapers and magazines - have left most newsagents with no choice over who supplies them.

Shop owners fear that the lack of competition will leave them with no alternative supplier and vulnerable to increased costs.

Last week almost 800 newsagents delivered a petition to the Office of Fair Trading demanding urgent action to protect competition in the news distribution industry.

John Mann MP today threw his weight behind the campaign to save Britain's newsagents.

He said: "Traditional newsagents are the backbone of our community. They deliver a vital service and are a friendly face that many people rely on every day.

"It is shocking and unacceptable that so many newsagents face an uphill struggle to survive. I am happy to pledge my support to newsagents in Bassetlaw and across the UK."

 29 June 2009