Contact/Cyswllt: Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has voiced his support for local Welshpool fishmonger, Dereks Plaice Fish Mongers, who has reached the final stages of the Best Rural Retailer Competition 2007.

The Countryside Alliance’s annual award celebrates skilled local retailers who champion local food and show real community value through the work that they do. Nominations for the awards have now closed and a judging panel will take over the next stage of the competition.

Regional winners will be announced in early December and will go forward to compete for the title of Welsh Best Rural Retailer, which will be announced at a reception in the Senedd on December 12th. Winners then go forward to compete with the rest of the UK for the UK title of Best Rural Retailer and success of all winners will be celebrated at a reception in the House of Lords on 6th February 2008.

Mick Bates AM: “I am very pleased at the success of my local fishmonger ‘Dereks Plaice’. With over 2,500 nominations received in total it should be really proud of it’s achievement in getting through to this stage of the competition. This local business has brought Welshpool into the limelight and I congratulate it’s success.

“It is so important to support our local services which lie at the heart of rural life. The variety of entrants in this competition highlights the diversity of our local businesses which are all vital to achieving a truly sustainable economy.

“It is great to see a Welshpool based business do so well and I am pleased that their quality service has been recognised. I wish Dereks Plaice Fish Mongers the best of luck as it enters the final stages of this competition.”


End / Diwedd