Chichester city centre retailers gear up to welcome back customers

It comes after the Prime Minister announced that non-essential retailers could reopen from Monday, June 15, in a briefing earlier this week.

Businesses have already been working hard to establish in-store processes that adhere to government guidelines on social distancing, in order to keep staff and customers safe.

The Government has set up a £50m Reopening High Streets Safely Fund to help councils introduce a range of safety measures to get people back to work and customers back to the shops.

More than £750,000 of that money – which comes from the European Regional Development Fund – will be given to West Sussex, with Chichester District Council being designated £108,161.

Councils will have to apply to the government for reimbursement from the fund by March 2021, with the details laid out in a Funding Agreement which should be ready by the end of June.

A spokesman for Chichester District Council said: “At the moment we are still looking into the details of what we can claim for, and then we will be working with our partners to see how we can best utilise the fund to support our high streets.”

In order to help support businesses and encourage customers back, Chichester BID is launching a new directory with details on the businesses set to reopen and what safety measures they have in place – from social distancing signage and hand sanitisers to screens.

Jeanette Hockley, operations manager at Chichester BID, said: “We are so proud of our city centre businesses, they have shown true resilience during these very difficult times and are now doing all they can to get back to business but in a safe and sensible way.

“Our new directory will hopefully give customers and visitors all the information and reassurance needed to return to the city and support their local retailers while still following government advice.”

Chichester BID also has plans to launch a new city app where users can find details on high street businesses as well as any offers, competitions and events being held in the city centre.

Plans are also underway to enhance the visitor experience with flags and bunting, as well as ongoing street cleaning.

To help support independents, many of which have been hit the hardest during lockdown, Chichester BID will once again be producing its popular shopping guide.

Find out more at www.chichesterbid.co.uk

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