Littlehampton traders prepare for ‘new normal’ with shops 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.

Similar to scenes already familiar at supermarkets, stores will reopen with protective measures such as limited customer numbers, protective shields and protective equipment for employees.

Local authorities have been given a share of a £50million Reopening High Streets Safely Fund to help businesses reopen safely.

Arun District Council has been granted £143,718 towards putting in measures for traders and public to adapt to socially distanced shopping.

James Walsh, leader of Arun District Council, praised the financial support.

“This announcement is extremely welcome as the funding will help to enable our Arun businesses to get back on their feet safely,” he said. “These shops and businesses are vital to our economy and the grant money will help 
us as a council to better support them as we follow government guidance through the recovery phase of this pandemic.”

Councils are expected to put the funds towards developing an action plan for how town centres can be reopened safely and disseminating public safety information. Grants can also be used to support businesses as they put measures in place and to make temporary changes to make public spaces more safe.

Changes are already being made to Rustington through a combined effort between the Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the landlord Store Property and Rustington Parish Council.

The group has been working on providing prominent signs, window graphics, social distancing markers, safety screens and hand sanitising stations in a bid to make visitors more confident to return to the village.

Playing on the Government’s recurring lockdown slogan, the group is urging residents to stay local, protect the high street and shop safely.

Worthing’s town centre manager, Sharon Clarke, has welcomed the news that traders can reopen, but warned businesses could 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.”

Sharon said the changes could be daunting for some, particularly sole traders required to fill in risk assessments and 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.