Penny and Keith Bird of Wot a Picture, Street

Motion Text

That this House recognises the contribution of Wot a Picture, a photography and framing business in Street, as a fine example of the family-run enterprises that sustain rural Somerset; thanks its owners, Penny and Keith Bird, for providing the community with high-quality photographic and framing services that residents would otherwise have to travel considerable distances to find; congratulates them on their well-earned retirement this Christmas following 23 years of service to Street and the surrounding area; celebrates the joy they have brought to local homes through the treasured photographs and memories they have framed for families over the years; wishes Penny and Keith a long and happy retirement; and calls on the Government to support independent retailers and high street businesses by reforming business rates, reversing the increase in employers' National Insurance contributions and tackling late payment to small firms, and to encourage residents to shop locally, so that small towns like Street retain the specialist services that give them their distinctive character.