Supporting Horsham stores should be a ‘core responsibility’ for shoppers

This is the message from Willie Hamilton, chairman of the Horsham BID (business improvement district) steering group.

A BID is a business-led and business-funded body which works to improve an area.

The group is backing this newspaper’s campaign to #supportlocal retailers and businesses.

Willie praised the County Times’ campaign for its support of the community.

He said: “I hope that the paper is remembered for the help and support it has given to the community during lockdown and after.

“It’s a core responsibility of Horsham people to make their spend local.

“If we don’t we won’t have a local community.”

As shoppers get used to the new normal they will have to plan their day rather than browsing the high street, he added.

Willie called for shops to introduce appointments and extended opening hours in a bid to boost the local economy.

But he also said shoppers have a part to play in ensuring things run smoothly.

Willie added: “People are going to need to be a lot more courteous.

“Popping in and browsing is not going to be what it was before, certainly over the next couple of months.”

But Willie, a self-confessed optimist, said people will be more polite, more helpful and more understanding as the country eases its lockdown restrictions.

He added: “Queuing – we’re going to have to get used to that. Everywhere we go and everything we do.

“The local community has to be patient and to plan but most importantly support local business that is in their town and in their community.”

Willie urged the community to collaborate as a priority.

Due to coronavirus the proposal for a BID in the town has been paused, but the group is still aiming to support businesses in the area.

He said the BID steering group will aim to support businesses in Horsham and urged those in need of help to get in touch.

Willie added: “We have got to pull together. That’s absolutely vital not just for the local economy but for Horsham town.”

For more information on Horsham BID see http://horshambid.co.uk/

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

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