Mr Barker met with Lord Brett McLean, the chairman of the 1066 branch which covers Hastings, Battle and Etchingham, to discuss the initiative to encourage consumers to use local traders.

Lord McLean said: "We have lost 31 businesses a week within East Sussex and if you walk around Hastings and Bexhill the figures are noticeable.

"The idea of the campaign is to get as many high profile individuals involved as we can."

Nationally, supporters include Sir Trevor MacDonald and locally, Hastings and Rye MP Michael Foster is offering his backing the campaign.

The campaign was launched in London with mayor Boris Johnson and Tory leader David Cameron.

Lord McLean added: "It's important consumers realise if they lose local traders they lose consumer choice and will be subject to an inflation in price.

"The small businessman is the backbone to the economy, locally and nationally."

Mr Barker said: "I'm passionate about supporting our local shops and traders that contribute to the unique character and vibrancy of the local economy in Battle and in villages.

"So I'm very pleased to support the Foundation of Small Businesses in their latest drive to highlight the impact of local traders."