Task force teams help District high streets re-open

The high streets across the Horsham District are now re-opening with new safety measures in place helping shoppers to feel safe and welcome.

Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for the Local Economy Cllr Paul Clarke commented:

“It is really pleasing and encouraging to see so many of our District’s independent retailers across our market towns and villages re-opening for business again in the last week.

“They have worked tirelessly during lockdown to adapt their businesses with new distribution methods. Many introduced home delivery and online services over the last few months which have been a crucial lifeline to customers, and now they have put all the necessary measures in place to re-open their doors and welcome shoppers back safely.

“I would in turn urge local shoppers to make their spending local as much as they possibly can, in order to help boost our local communities and support local business after such challenging trading conditions.

“The personal service, adaptability and unique offerings from independent retailers could be the very thing that saves our high streets and local people are more aware and keener to support them than ever. “

The District Council has been working closely with local task force teams in the market towns and villages to ensure that appropriate signage, stickers and business information is available to support re-opening.

It will continue to work with the local teams going forward to develop projects and promotional campaigns which will support the high streets in the longer term.  £128,000 of European Regional Development Funding has been awarded to the District Council to support this work and the Council will ensure the money is spent in a way that directly supports the high streets’ sustainability and long term success.

Local retailer Elizabeth Hunt from Pulborough Traders Group commented:

“Several of Pulborough’s independent traders like Beneficial Health, Coughtrey’s Butchers, M. J. Suters, The Greenhouse, Corden’s/Kamson’s and the Pulborough Stores have operated continuously throughout the pandemic, with volunteers helping to provide delivery services to customers who are sheltering.

“Now with restrictions easing, more businesses have re-opened, operating with safety guidelines in place. The Flower Shop, which had been offering telephone orders and deliveries, has now re-opened , whilst the Little Bean Café is now offering delicious home-cooked, ready to heat meals, pre-ordered afternoon teas, ploughman’s platters, picnic lunches and breakfast boxes. Lee’s Garden, River Moon and So India are also offering takeaway meals, whilst Hamilton Cole and Wilmers are open for sales and service of electrical goods. The Pulborough Exchange, selling lightly used, high quality household goods, will be re-opening on June 25.

“To help promote local businesses, the Pulborough Traders’ Association has launched a new website www.PulboroughTraders.co.uk, supported by a Facebook page and Instagram account, to help people find what they need locally.”

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