'Life is going to change for many businesses' says new Petworth Town Council chairman and shop owner

"The town’s councillors are committed to ensuring Petworth is a great place to live, work and visit."
Councillor Liz Singleton had previously been vice-chairman of Petworth Town Councilsince May 2019Councillor Liz Singleton had previously been vice-chairman of Petworth Town Councilsince May 2019
Councillor Liz Singleton had previously been vice-chairman of Petworth Town Councilsince May 2019

That was the message from new Petworth Town Council chairman Liz Singleton, who is looking forward to helping the ‘very special’ town recover from the coronavirus crisis.

At the annual meeting last Thursday, councillor Singleton was unanimously elected after Chris Kemp’s decision to step down after six years in the role. Taking up cllr Singleton's previous position as vice-chairman will be Alan Copus.

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“It is going to be difficult as we come out of lockdown,” councillor Singleton said. "There’s quite a lot of things in progress to keep us all busy for the foreseeable future.

"We’ve got a great sense of community. The priority is to make sure the community is well served.

"Every town and parish council will be facing an uncharted time coming out of this.”

Councillor Singleton, who owns clothing shop Sorella in Church Street, said ‘life is going to change’ for many businesses.

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She said: “We try to liaise with the Petworth Business Association so we can help the businesses going forward.

"It is going to be a challenge, who knows what the high street is going to be like.

"The physical size of my shop is small so I’ve got to be aware and be responsible how I do the opening of it.

"Everybody is taking it very seriously.”

Councillor Singleton reserved praise for Lloyds Pharmacy and the Co-op store in particular, where staff have been ‘astonishing’.

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“They have never faltered,” she said. “They have made sure the community has been safe and have upped their game.”

During the pandemic, Petworth Town Council has been operating a help desk and delivery service for those who are struggling.

She said: “Initially it was for prescriptions and answering the demands of the surgery and Lloyds. They were really struggling. We then organised a delivery service for people who are self isolating.

"We’ve got about 90 volunteers for that. We are thinking of setting up a community hub to help people with unemployment, housing, businesses, travel.”

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Councillor Singleton, who has been on the council since 2013, said high up the agenda is restoring the farmers’ market and getting the sports grounds back in use.

“We are just trying to work out how we can get that with all the social distancing regulations,” she said

“We will be looking at the neighbourhood plan going forward but at the moment its about the immediate concerns and needs of the community.”

After taking up her new role, cllr Singleton thanked outgoing chairman Chris Kemp for his 'commitment and dedication'.

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She said: "Chris has led the council to achieve many things not least the adoption of our award winning Neigbourhood Plan in 2018.

"We have a very competent council with a variety of skills within our team.

"I look forward to developing the town council’s partnerships with community groups, charities, businesses and other agencies on behalf of our residents.”

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