Welcome Back … we’re open for business

It’s been a tough year for our businesses but thankfully their doors are now fully open. Our towns and villages have been given a helping hand to bounce back from the pandemic with financial support from the Government’s ‘Welcome Back’ funding.

The Council is working with seven local communities to develop a programme of funded activities that will create a feeling of wellbeing and promote a safe return for residents and shoppers. Here’s a snapshot of what’s been going on so far:

Harvest market and community gardens for Pulborough

In Pulborough, one Welcome Back funded project was the Harvest Fair which played host to many  local traders who came along to showcase their goods, helping to build the local economy. Funds were used to supply a large marquee to enhance the customer experience at the Fair. Additionally, a project is underway to increase the amount of nature-friendly planting in Lower Street to soften the street scene and encourage more people (and wildlife!) back to the area.

Escape to the great outdoors

We are also aiming to use the Welcome Back Fund to develop a series of outdoor escape room experiences around the District, so that the whole family can follow trails and have fun in the various high streets safely, and in the open air.

Instantly ‘Instagrammable’

We are also working closely with businesses to increase the ‘Instagrammability’ of their spaces by creating fun and interesting installations and artworks that will attract Instagram users and will act as free promotion for local businesses.