Adur’s traders prepare for ‘new normal’ with shops and markets set to reopen

From Monday, open markets and car showrooms can open to the public and from June 15 all non-essential stores can follow suit.

Local authorities have been given a share of a £50million Government fund to help high streets reopen safely.

Adur District Council has been granted £56,721 while Worthing will receive £98,168 to go towards developing an action plan and disseminating public safety information.

Horsham District Council is set to be given £128,132.

Councils are also expected to use the funds to support businesses as they put measures in place and to make temporary changes to make public spaces more safe.

Lancing Village Market’s switch to quarterly events means the next date would not be until July, but Shoreham Farmers’ Market is expected to be one of the first to reopen.

Steyning Farmers’ Market moved to a virtual event when lockdown was announced, allowing customers to order online instead.

Online shops have been opening on Mondays and orders can be collected from Steyning Cricket Club the following Saturday.

Organiser Lou Crush said the switch to online had helped cushion the blow of lockdown, but also presented a viable option for the future.

She said the market would not be physically reopening next month as there were still fears over public safety and many customers may not feel comfortable visiting.

Once the physical market does return, she said, the online service would remain alongside to pick up the slack in times of bad weather or for people who are unable to visit.

Visit www.steyningfarmers. square.site for details.

Adur and Worthing councils are considering road closures, one way walking routes and widening of pavements, which could see the removal of parking bays.

Worthing’s town centre manager Sharon Clarke welcomed the news but warned businesses would face fresh challenges upon reopening.

“Traders are very relieved that it looks as if it’s being lifted and they can start to get back to some sense of normality,” said Sharon, who is a director of business group Worthing Town Centre Initiative.

“It’s a new normal, but it’s a positive step. It will be challenging for some because they have got to put in place protective measures that comply with risk assessments that all will be required to undertake.

“That’s extra cost in a time when they have already been stretched and have cash flow challenges.”

Stores will reopen with protective measures such as limited customer numbers, protective shields and PPE for employees.

Sharon said the changes could be daunting for some, particularly sole traders required to put measures in place for the first time.

“There may be some people that don’t get it right the first time, but please bear with them – they are doing their best and will get it right,” she said. Despite markets being given permission to open, Worthing’s weekly town centre market will not be restarting over social distancing issues.