Mid Sussex Times backs council’s #bringingchristmashome campaign

By now, our high streets would start to be thronged with people wanting to get ahead with their festive shopping.
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The traditional turning on of the main Christmas lights would set our faces aglow.

But the countdown to Christmas 2020 will be like no other.

There remains a bumpy ride ahead as we navigate our second national lockdown.

Councillor Stephen Hillier in Church Walk, Burgess Hill. Picture: Steve RobardsCouncillor Stephen Hillier in Church Walk, Burgess Hill. Picture: Steve Robards
Councillor Stephen Hillier in Church Walk, Burgess Hill. Picture: Steve Robards
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By the time it ends, the first doors of the advent calendar will already be open.

Through all the challenges the pandemic has brought we have gained some valuable lessons. We have learned to appreciate each other more and do what we can to help those in need.

And among those most in need in the coming weeks are the local businesses who have had to close their doors again just as they were starting to get back on their feet. Although the shutters may be down on their bricks and mortar shops, their online tills are still open.

That is why we are stepping up our #supportlocal campaign to encourage you to use the virtual high streets of our local and independent traders when it comes to your Christmas shopping during lockdown.

Mid Sussex District Council’s #bringingchristmashome campaignMid Sussex District Council’s #bringingchristmashome campaign
Mid Sussex District Council’s #bringingchristmashome campaign
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And we are backing Mid Sussex District Council’s #bringingchristmashome campaign to celebrate our communities and local businesses, with a clear message that it can still be a magical experience.

Councillor Stephen Hillier, district council cabinet member for economic growth, said: “With the recent news of further lockdown it is an understandably worrying time for residents and local businesses.

“We ​have been doing all we ​reasonably can to ​support our local economy and details of grants and funding are on our website.

“To further support local traders we are pulling together online information highlighting the fantastic range of products and services available on our doorstep in Mid Sussex.

Haywards Heath Christmas lights. Photo by Derek Martin PhotographyHaywards Heath Christmas lights. Photo by Derek Martin Photography
Haywards Heath Christmas lights. Photo by Derek Martin Photography
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“I’d urge traders to add their details and shoppers to visit the site to help support our local shops and their workers.”

Despite the changes this year, the district council said it hopes it will bring a renewed focus on our communities, home-based Christmas traditions, simple pleasures, a slower pace and time well spent.

A spokesman said: “Until the shops reopen we want to help residents find inspiration among the unique and amazing companies we have here on our own doorstep by promoting the online, ‘click and collect’ and home delivery options of our local businesses.

“Businesses can add their details to our brand new www.midsussex.gov.uk/bringingchristmashome webpage and then shoppers can search for special local goodies and support traders and their staff by buying local.

Burgess Hill town centre. Picture: Steve RobardsBurgess Hill town centre. Picture: Steve Robards
Burgess Hill town centre. Picture: Steve Robards
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“The second strand of the campaign emphasises the ‘home’ element. Lockdown has also seen many of us baking, crafting and generally ‘making’.

“The campaign is encouraging residents to share stories and Christmas traditions, whether that’s trimming the tree, cooking, baking, making decorations or frosty walks in the countryside; how will you be ‘Bringing Christmas Home’? You can share your stories on Twitter at #bringingchristmashome.”

Burgess Hill Business Parks Association, East Grinstead Business Association and Haywards Heath Business Association have welcomed the campaign.

“We see first-hand the issues facing our shops, businesses and traders and we have been working with Mid Sussex District Council on making sure everyone knows about the business grants available to them,” said a spokesman.

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“On behalf of the towns’ business associations, we really welcome the #bringingchristmashome initiative.

Residents can also play their part by giving some thought to where they make their purchases this Christmas, and by shopping local this year help to keep jobs and businesses in the district.”