Hastings shops starting to see trade improve following coronavirus lockdown, business leaders say

John Bownas, manager of Love Hastings BID, said: “We’ve been out and seen plenty of pubs and cafes with full tables, and we’ve spoken with shops who say their trade really is pretty much back to normal.

“It’s been encouraging to see the national statistics showing how retail spending seems to be bouncing back to pre-Covid levels. This points to the fact that many shoppers already see their local shops as being safe to visit.

“However, there’s still a long way to go, so as well as visiting your shops whenever you can why not also take advantage of the Government-funded ‘eat out to help out’ scheme?

“There are already 95 cafes and restaurants taking part in and around Hastings where you can get a 50 per cent discount on your food bill between Monday and Wednesday throughout August, with the Government paying the other half.

Cllr Kim Forward, council leader, said: “So far, residents have done incredibly well to support each other, follow the guidelines, and stay safe.

“We know how hard Hastings businesses have worked to get these Covid-secure guidelines in place, which is why we are encouraging people to support their local shops and buy local.

“It’s been a tough few months for businesses, with them having to close for long periods of time, and with Covid restrictions now limiting shops and restaurants in a variety of ways, it’s all the more important to give them our support.

“It is important for everyone to remember to respect the guidelines put in place as they are there for a reason.

“Some of these new measures have come at great cost to businesses, so the least we can all do is respect these guidelines when we are out eating or shopping in the town.

“It is now compulsory to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces such as shops and supermarkets, and we must still remember to keep social distancing where possible.

“It’s important for us to support our local economy to ensure Hastings can recover and thrive. Buy local, eat local and respect the guidelines.”

“It’s been a tough few months for businesses, with them having to close for long periods of time, and with restrictions now limiting shops and restaurants in a variety of ways, it’s all the more important to give them our support.”

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.