Covid-secure ‘kitemark’ plans for Eastbourne

The trailblazing initiative is thought to be the first in the country, and is being developed by town business leaders and the county council.

Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell raised the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions last Wednesday.

She asked Boris Johnson, “As a stunning coastal destination built on hospitality and tourism sectors hard hit by the impact of the virus, Eastbourne is nonetheless looking to bounce back when it is safe to do so and is at work with a covid-secure kitemark to inspire public confidence.

“Does my right honourable friend see merit in this and, when the coast is clear, would he visit?”

Mr Johnson replied, “I’m sure the coast is always clear in Eastbourne. I will do my utmost to get there as soon as I can within the social distancing rules we must all observe.

“I think we’ll look at the kitemark idea. The best I can say is that she’s a fantastic champion for Eastbourne and its attractions and I look forward to supporting her in any way that I can.”

The Eastbourne Hospitality Association is working with East Sussex County Council to develop the kitemark.

According to the Chamber of Commerce BID team, Eastbourne is the first place to request this across the country.

It said the scheme could be a “real advantage to show Eastbourne is leading the way in cleanliness, infection control, showing leadership and inspiring confidence”.

More information on the covid-secure ‘kitemark’ is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

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