Hastings, Bexhill and Rye residents urged to support local businesses

Non-essential shops have been authorised to open to the public from Monday (June 15) if it is safe to do so.

For all these businesses, the past few months have been extremely difficult following a nationwide lockdown which forced them to close their doors for the foreseeable future.

Many traders will return on Monday but, with social distancing measures in place, people in Hastings, Bexhill and Rye have been urged to support their local businesses to ensure they can continue trading.

John Bownas, the manager of Hastings Business Improvement District, said: “There has never been a more important time for people and businesses to support local traders. Whether you are buying a new summer outfit or a book, or ordering a set of business cards or a new shopfront the message is the same – look for a local shop or supplier to spend your money with. Don’t let our hard-earned money leak out of the town.

“The cumulative effect of this is enormous. Just looking at daily shopping, if everyone in Hastings spent £10 each week in a local shop rather online that would lock around £20m into the Hastings economy. Add in all the business spending and the impact of buying local really starts to make a difference.”

Despite the Government’s easing of lockdown measures over the past few months, Hastings Borough Council and Rother District Council have asked visitors to stay away from the area.

There have been relatively low numbers of cases of Covid-19 in the area – 55 in Hastings and 99 in Rother – but 82 people have died with the virus in hospitals operated by the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

The Bexhill Chamber of Commerce welcomed the reopening of shops but reminded people of the importance of social distancing: “Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism are delighted that many local businesses will be re-opening on June 15. It’s vital for our town to bounce back to being the distinctive shopping centre it has always been. But we must remember that the social distancing guidelines and new rules for trading are for everyones safety.

“We are working with our members and the local authorities on altering the town centre public areas to make it easier for everyone to feel safe and comfortable in Bexhill. Our chamber are helping our members and other businesses prepare and we are available if any business has any queries about re-opening. Let’s get Bexhill bouncing back.”

Councillor Christine Bayliss, Rother District Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, also called on residents to support their local businesses.

She said: “As Covid-19 restrictions slowly begin to ease our economy can start to recover. For more than three months many of the district’s businesses have been unable to operate, or have had to do so in a significantly limited way.

“There is no quick fix for those businesses to get back on track and, although we have been able to help with Government grants, what they really need now is the support of residents.

“I would urge people to use local shops and services as much as they possibly can and support our local businesses and employers.”

Local businesses in Rother have also been advised to visit www.rother.gov.uk/business/information-for-businesses.