CLACTON MP Douglas Carswell has welcomed a boost for shopkeepers in Clacton.

He has supported moves for a business rate discount for high street shops.

The rate rises are being capped at two per cent, which he said was below the rate of inflation, and high street retailers with a rateable value of less than £50,000 will benefit from a two-year £1,000 discount.

"Local businesses have been feeling the squeeze,” he said.

“The average business rates bill nationally is now £14,000, and for many local Clacton businesses, business rates mean a massive additional cost.

“Shops and businesses in Clacton have benefitted from the recent free parking initiative. “The effect of this has been to increase footfall in the town - which means more jobs.”

Mr Carswell added that he hopes that these measures will go further, giving a helping hand to local entrepreneurs and retailers.

"It is small business owners that create jobs and make Tendring's economy grow,” he said.

“Getting government off their backs and taxes down helps them - which helps our area" he added.