Decision due on support for Bexhill Promenade traders

Plans to support traders at Bexhill’s Promenade are set to go before Rother council leaders next week. 
Bexhill seafront SUS-200722-142738001Bexhill seafront SUS-200722-142738001
Bexhill seafront SUS-200722-142738001

On Monday (August 17), Rother District Council cabinet members are set to consider proposals to grant rent relief to its food and drink tenants at the Promenade from April 1 to September 30 in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Council leaders are also to consider granting licences which would allow the businesses to provide extra seating outside their premises. According to council papers, some businesses there are already providing this additional seating.

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In a report, a council officer said: “This presents the risk of conflict between traders and members of the public using the Promenade, and a potential insurance risk to the council should an accident occur.

“Regularising the position through the grant of temporary licences allows the council to ensure that such activity takes place in a safe manner.

“Businesses on the Promenade are particularly reliant on casual and seasonal trade driven by leisure activity. 

“The proposed relief on rents will allow tenants who have been adversely affected by the lockdown to manage costs while trading under social distancing guidelines, at a time when customer confidence and activity remains low.”

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The six-month rent relief is expected to cost the council approximately £27,700 in lost revenue. It is also considered unlikely that rent relief post relaxation of lockdown measures will qualify for government financial support.

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