Information to help you reopen

Dear Members,

We hope you are well and have managed to stay positive at this very difficult time. Its great to see shops and cafes that are taking advantage of the loosening of the restrictions to do some business and we are all hoping that as the virus comes under control premises can make the most of visitors that want to spend their money in the town. One thing is for sure, not many people will want to get onto an aeroplane this summer so the area is bound to be busy over the peak holiday months.

Gary Thompson, ABA Treasurer and owner of the dog boutique Wag & Bone has been using government guidance to help him and his partner Jackie rearrange their selling process but the document has not been well publicised so we are bringing it to your attention. Click here to see the document.

The Food Standards Agency has recently updated its reopening check list for food businesses, if you are doing takeaways or selling food you might find it useful to visit this link.

There is always a wealth of information on the Visit Britain Business Advice Hub with guidance on everything from funding to mental health and support webinars. You will find it here.

Meanwhile, our Chairman Sally Ogden has been contacted by a number of High Street businesses that would like to see pavements expanded so that people can have more space to queue and to pass one another. The committee has written to the Town Council, with copies to Therese Coffey, district and county councillors, requesting some form of pedestrianisation, we will keep you informed of any progress.

In the meantime, stay well,

Your committee

Sally Ogden (Chair)

Ella Roberts (Vice Chair)

Gary Thompson (Treasurer)

Sarah Whitelock (Secretary)