The Sustainable Communities Bill has passed through committee stage in parliament, but faces one final hurdle before it clears the Commons. The bill, which aims to give communities and local councils more power on local issues, will now have to pass the report stage on June 15.
But supporters are warning there's still more work to be done to ensure the bill is not derailed by central government. Campaigners at Local Works, the group set up to back the bill, are urging retailers to add their weight to the campaign by writing to prime minister in waiting Gordon Brown, as well as local MPs.
Campaign co-ordinator Matthew Sheen said: "Between now and June 15 we need to continue to put pressure on the government."

For more on writing to your MP, see www.localworks.org.