Mr Danczuk promised to look into discussions on the subject that had taken place in parliament in recent months, to “put down a good number of parliamentary questions” and push for a wider debate on the issue.

He praised the community aspect of stores that are trading legitimately. “From speaking to the shopkeepers that came to see me, you can see the contribution to the local community instantly. One of them takes in parcels for local residents; the other sells flowers from the florist further down the road.

He urged retailers to visit their MP and raise this at a local level.

He said: “It really brings it home when you speak to constituents. Retailers should see their MP about it.”