In his latest message to the residents of Hailsham, Town Mayor and Chairman of Hailsham Town Council, Cllr Paul Holbrook, encourages people to ‘shop local’ and continue to help recently reopened local businesses get back on their feet as the town recovers from lockdown:
“While we still have a very long way to go in our ongoing battle with and recovery from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, it is clear that we are seeing some return to normality. Perhaps the most visible indicators of this are the recent easing of social distancing and lockdown restrictions, the reopening of many local businesses and the upcoming reopening of restaurants, bars and hair salons.
As we continue to gradually open up the town centre again, I encourage people to shop local and ask residents to continue to buy local products and services to help our local economy get back on its feet.
It goes without saying that we should all try and resist the temptation to go further afield for shopping now that regulations are becoming more relaxed. In Hailsham, we are fortunate to have such a diverse range of shops and businesses – not just in the town centre but townwide. They all play a big part in the historic market town character of this town for those of us who live here – and equally, for the people who visit.
Our small businesses, as the backbone of the local economy, need the community’s support more than ever at this time to help them get back on their feet, preserve jobs in the long run and benefit everyone by boosting economic recovery.
We all have a part to play in Hailsham’s economic recovery and we can all start by continuing to buy goods and services locally.
As we slowly get back to normal as safely as possible, I am excited to hear that Hailsham Farmers’ Market, which has been operating for over 20 years, will be reopening on Saturday 11th July, more than three months after closing in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
The Covid-19 outbreak meant that visits to the farmers’ market had to be cancelled due to the introduction of strict social distancing measures.
But as the country takes further steps on the route-map out of lockdown, markets up and down the country have already opened or are making plans to reopen so they can once again showcase local food, craftwork, gifts and other items.
Hailsham is, in essence, a market town so I am very pleased to see this important part of our heritage return to life!
The Town Council is currently liaising with local authorities and managing agents regarding the reopening of Hailsham Street Market which, until the closure in late March due to the pandemic, operated in Vicarage Field every Saturday from 8.30am-1.30pm. Proper provisions and meticulous social distancing measures need to be put in place to manage the public, plans that work with other shops on the site who also need space for social distancing.
We will update the public on the reopening of the street market on our website, social media pages and via the local media in due course.
In closing, I would like to thank the many groups, businesses and volunteers who are still working hard to offer help to those in need during the pandemic, which is by no means over. It is good to see the town slowly recovering from the lockdown and businesses putting social distancing measures in place and welcoming shoppers back.
I would like to thank each and everyone who is remaining vigilant and following all public health recommendations. Our town has to abide by all social distancing and hygiene rules so we can safely reopen while keeping everyone safe. If we see a big spike in Covid-19 cases in the future, it would have serious adverse effects on not only the health of our community, but be detrimental to the local economy too.
Thank you and stay safe everyone.”
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk