New schemes launched to boost town trade

Earlier this year, the Battle and District Chamber of Commerce announced plans for a number of schemes to attract shoppers into the town, following the news that Rother was going to put up the town’s car park fees by up to 15 per cent.

Traders feared the increases could put people off shopping in the town.

But now a number of measures have been introduced to help keep the tills ringing.

In a bid to beat the meter, a parking refund scheme has been launched, with many Battle businesses offering to refund one hour’s parking charge to customers.

Businesses participating in the scheme are now displaying signs on their doors. Battle Chamber of Commerce is currently in discussion with Rother District Council to place signage in the car parks to inform visitors and residents of the scheme.

Meanwhile shoppers can take advantage of free car parking after 6pm at a monthly late night shopping event, which will run every last Thursday of the month between March and September.

The launch will take place this Thursday, with many shops and businesses opening until 8pm.

The chamber is exploring the possibility of providing entertainment on the Abbey Green during the summer months, including live music from local bands.

A number of businesses will be offering special discounts and promotions during these events.

More information on individual events can be found on www.battlesussex.co.uk and facebook.com/BattleSussex.

Businesses in the town have also thrown their weight behind the Battle Gift Vouchers, which are now available online and via the town’s Post Office.

The vouchers can be redeemed at any participating businesses, with more businesses signing up to the scheme on a daily basis.w

Gary Honeysett, president of Battle Chamber of Commerce, said: “The gift vouchers recognise that, within the town, we have a great degree of choice and quality in our independent businesses and we can now offer the freedom to choose to redeem the vouchers at any participating store.

“The scheme is commendable in that it offers our independents the opportunity to compete with national chains in terms of diversity of product.

“Where customers might not want to be restricted to a particular specialist business, they now have the choice of well over 20 local businesses, with more applications to join the scheme being processed daily.”

The scheme itself is operated by a local business and a full list of participants can be found on www.battlegiftvouchers.co.uk.

n Rother’s Neighbourhood Watch has launched a discount scheme for members.

The Privilege Card allows members to claim exclusive discounts at participating stores throughout the district, including Battle Interiors and the Saffron Gallery.

More information about the scheme and participating businesses can be found at www.rotherneighbourhoodwatch.org.uk.