Traders talk on town's future

Rother District Council has been gathering the views of local people, and people in neighbouring towns, to find out what would encourage them to spend more in Bexhill.

Now it wants to hear what shopkeepers have to say and to share its findings with them. The forthcoming workshops are independently facilitated by Clive Gross, director of Arcana Coaching.

Julie Willard, from RDC, said: “Things people like about Bexhill are that it’s quiet, safe and friendly; it’s unusual and has unique shops, and it’s close to and easily accessible from the seafront.”

She added: “It offers an increasingly sought after alternative to the character-free retail experience offered by out-of-town retail parks and shopping centres.”

The workshops will all take place from 6pm to 8pm and follow the same format. Traders are asked to attend the one nearest to their business.

If possible they should let Julie know in advance if they plan to be present by telephoning her on 01424 787832 or e-mailing: [email protected]

Dates and venues for the workshops are: Tuesday, July 19 - No 48 restaurant, Devonshire Road; Wednesday, July 20 - Manor Barn, De La Warr Road; Monday, July 25 - Centre Stage, London Road; Wednesday, July 27 - Parkhurst Hall, Sackville Road Methodist Church.

Julie said: “Among the challenges we face are how to encourage more shoppers to Bexhill, how to get them to spend more and how to better direct visitors around the town.

“Bexhill will need to work harder to build on its strengths to meet customer expectations in the future.”