Bognor town centre comes back to life in run up to Christmas: in pictures

With Christmas around the corner, it seems shoppers are keen to get their presents as shops welcomed in customers after a month of not being able to trade. Heather Allen, Bognor BID co-ordinator, said: “This year, more than ever, we need to get behind our small businesses, particularly the retailers who have suffered so badly in the pandemic. We want to appreciate members of the community who have delayed their Christmas shopping so they could come back and see their favourite local retailers. We asking shoppers to stay safe and be kind to the shop staff who are up against it. It will be a little bit more stressful but the message is be kind.” BID chairman, Jason Passingham echoed those calls for shoppers to be respectful. He said: “We know our businesses are really excited to be opening their doors again and have put a lot of effort into making their premises both festive and Covid-19 secure. It’s become a bit of a cliché to say that things are going to be different this Christmas but please remember to be kind to front line staff and your queue buddies if this year’s different means things take a little longer.” Read more here