Arundel & South Downs MP Andrew Griffith met the owners and employees of Pulborough’s Lower Street businesses on Thursday (6 August 2020) to hear how they are adapting to ensure the safety of both staff and customers.
The overall message was that Pulborough is very much open for business and hoping to benefit from the #ShopLocal trend. He was also keen to learn more about Pulborough’s Lower Street Revival Plan, aimed at rejuvenating the historic village centre and ensuring that Lower Street regains its role as an economic and social centre, providing a range of retail and community activities, rather than just serving as a link connecting places.
Andrew Griffith said: “I was very pleased to see the many small, independent stores on Lower Street welcoming customers, who can be confident that it is safe to shop there, thanks to the safety measures in place. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the West Sussex economy, providing the sustainable economic development we need to fuel our recovery from the pandemic’s financial fallout.
“Pulborough’s Lower Street Revival Plan will encourage more residents and visitors to shop here, creating a safer, more appealing and accessible village centre.”
Ian Hare, chairman of Pulborough’s Parish Council, David Hurst, a director of Pulborough’s Community Partnership, and Elizabeth Hunt, director of The Pulborough Exchange and also a director of the Pulborough Community Partnership, greeted Mr Griffith and also welcomed his interest in Pulborough’s proposed Neighbourhood Plan, currently in consultation, and on display in the window of 81B Lower Street for residents to review. For more information on businesses in Pulborough, please visit www.pulboroughtraders.co.uk.