The Brighouse Echo has set up an awareness campaign to support businesses struggling in the recession.

In recent weeks a number of Brighouse businesses have closed – and while some new businesses are opening, there is still concern about the future of the town centre.

To try to address some of the concerns the Echo is appealing to people who live and work in the area to back local businesses.

Editor Stephen Firth said: "We want to encourage people to use local shops because the fear is that if we don't we will lose them.

"Brighouse shops have a reputation for quality and service. There is so much to be proud of here and it's time to shout about the good things we have."

The campaign is being backed by Brighouse councillor Colin Stout who said too many businesses were suffering in the present economic climate.

"We do not want to see businesses closing their doors. Brighouse has a good selection of independent retailers and they help attract people to the town. But if businesses continue to close people will not want to come to a town where shops are behind shutters," he said. "It is important that people give their support to local businesses. Brighouse is a good shopping centre and we want to keep it that way."

In recent weeks Birthdays greetings card shop in Commercial Street and Bijoux gift shop in Market Street closed. The Birthdays store was one of a number throughout the country that closed after the company went into liquidation. And the owner of Bijoux bags and accessories, Sharon Colbeck, closed her shop with reluctance but said she had had no choice.

Other empty properties include Motor World, the former Post Office, Design 55, Face Factory, the former Co-op, Bainbridge's newsagents and Joshua Callum hairdressers.

Top Stitch in Park Row is moving to out-of-town premises and Kind Thoughts greetings cards, in Park Street, is due to close.

On a brighter note Milry's cafe bar has opened in Owler Ings, Yorkshire Trading Company is moving into the former Woolworth's store, a new business is opening at the former Apricot Square cafe in Bethel Street, and Overgate Hospice, Elland, has opened a furniture shop also in Bethel Street. There are also signs of activity at the former Fairway Fashions and Megabite take-away also in Bethel Street.

A similar campaign aimed at supporting Calderdale town centres is being planned by Halifax town centre manager Beth Ward. She is concentrating on Brighouse, Elland, Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden and is working with people in each of the towns.

In Brighouse, the chairman of regeneration group Brighouse Pride, Ann Martin, is backing the scheme and councillors are also involved.

Cash has been awarded from Calderdale Council's Economic Task Force and in the next few weeks free workshops will be held for business people.

"The scheme is completely free and we want to encourage as many retailers as possible to be involved," said Beth.