Consumers in East Anglia are keener on shopping locally than anywhere else in England, according to environment-al campaigners Friends of the Earth.A survey released this week reveals that 85pc of the people questioned would like to see a wider variety of independent stores in their commun-ities, giving wholehearted backing to local producers and retailers.

Consumers in East Anglia are keener on shopping locally than anywhere else in England, according to environment-al campaigners Friends of the Earth.

A survey released this week reveals that 85pc of the people questioned would like to see a wider variety of independent stores in their commun-ities, giving wholehearted backing to local producers and retailers.

Throughout Britain, only Wales and Scotland were more supportive of smaller shops, with 94pc and 88pc respectively calling for a wider grocery market locally.

Also, almost half of the people questioned nationally - 43pc - would oppose a new Tesco store in their area while 33pc would welcome one.

Jennifer Parkhouse, Friends of the Earth co-ordinator for Norfolk, said: “Every little trip to the corner shop is a small step that can catch on in a big way.

“It puts the breaks on huge supermarkets encroaching into the retail market and blocks vital funds from being sucked out of the local economy.”