SHOPPING 'local' and supporting local businesses will help local economies to come through the Covid crisis.

That is the message from Fife MSP Alex Rowley who is warning that the economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis is going to be ‘severe’.

Mr Rowley, who is speaking with local businesses across the region, told the Times the next few months are going to be challenging but argued that everyone can do their bit by spending their money locally and supporting jobs in the local economy.

The shops of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area are in week three of the re-opening phase after the lockdown and the importance of 'staying local' to do your shopping is key to giving the business community of the area the impetus they need after three months out of action.

On a shopping trip to Kelty butcher, Jim Hackett, at Blackhall Square, in Kelty, the Labour MSP said; “Businesses like this one have been there throughout the lockdown on the frontline providing a service to local people and it is now important that we maintain that local support and where we can shop local.

“We face a challenging time ahead both in terms of the unknown with the virus and the fact our economy has been massively damaged and will result in job losses and unemployment on a scale not seen for many decades".

He added: "I am pushing for a national plan aimed at minimising the damage and creating as well as saving jobs, but we can all do our bit to support local business.

“Businesses like Jim the Butchers provide employment but more important they are at the heart of the community and are able to help locals when they need it.

"We have lots of such businesses in the Cowdenbeath area and I have seen throughout this crisis the support many of them have been providing to local people.

“We will come through this and by supporting local business we can make sure they also come through stronger making our communities stronger and sustainable”.

Our picture shows Alex Rowley with Jim, Sharon and Joan at the Blackhall Square butchers, in Kelty.