Watford MP supports News Bits in Oxhey village store

During a tour of News Bit in Oxhey village in Watford on July 24, Mr Turmaine praised long-time shop owner Raju Patel, who has served the community from his Villiers Road store since 1988.

The visit was arranged by the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) to highlight the essential role of local businesses in high streets and neighbourhoods.

Raju, who is on first name terms with customers at his Villiers Road store, discusses business issues with Watford MP Matt Turmaine amid jam-packed shelves (Image: Matt Turmaine MP)

Mr Turmaine said: "Raju has served his local community for almost four decades. That’s a real achievement.

"It was clear that he knew his customers and they knew him. He even opens for a while on Christmas Day for those last-minute essentials that people may have forgotten. That’s dedication for you."

During the visit, Mr Turmaine met Doug Oliver, political engagement coordinator for the Fed, to discuss the wider impact of the independent retail sector, which employs over 400,000 staff.

The group spoke about the importance of convenience offerings and the steady flow of shoppers relying on the store for everyday necessities.

Photo caption 3: Matt Turmaine buys something refreshing to quench his thirst following his visit to News Bit last Friday morning (July 24) (Image: Matt Turmaine MP)

Mr Turmaine also learned about Mr Patel’s home news delivery service. He reflected on his own early experience as a paperboy in the 1980s and said the conversation “brought back memories.”

The Fed also briefed Mr Turmaine on its work supporting newspaper retailers and helping them prepare for the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme, which launches in October 2027.

On a baking hot day, Watford MP Matt Turmaine went along to another Oxhey village shop, bakers C. Loveday and Son, to buy his lunch (Image: Matt Turmaine MP)

The scheme will allow customers to return plastic bottles and cans for a 20p refund, while retailers will receive a handling fee.

Mr Patel said: "The time and interest that Matt has shown was clearly sincere and I greatly appreciated the chance to speak with him. The Fed and I look forward to working with him on local and national issues and what more the government can do to control costs."

After purchasing a couple of soft drinks from News Bit, Mr Turmaine visited the nearby Loveday family bakery, which has been in business since 1935.

He described Oxhey as having "a great feel" and a "real vibe," and encouraged people to support their neighbourhood shops, adding: "They are the cornerstone of any community."