A FINCHLEY group is rallying residents to support local shops where there will be discounts this Saturday, July 9.

Finchlinks is urging shoppers to spend £10 more than they normally would to support small businesses in Ballards Lane, Finchley Central, and High Road, North Finchley, as part of what they are calling Independents Day.

Participating shops will be offering discounts with some offers on display and managers willing to discuss others more informally.

Kate Berger, of Finchlinks, said: “If you want your high street to survive then you all need to support it. From what we can see and what we have heard from shops they are finding it really hard.

“They are conscious that people seem to go to Brent Cross and other centres where there’s maybe more choice.

“The more you do that the more shops struggle and the less there is to find there.”

Barnet Traders’ Association is running a lottery in a bid to raise cash to give its high street a makeover.