More businesses in Rother have given their support to a campaign that urges residents to shop local and eat local in the run up to Christmas.
Rother District Council launched its annual Love Local initiative last month, asking residents to back the retail and hospitality sectors in the district during the festive period.
Now more local enterprises – including Mini Mouthfuls, and British design British made in Battle, plus Sidley Fish and Chips, and Greenfinch in Ticehurst – are proudly showing their support.
Juliet Gledhill of Mini Mouthfuls, High Street, Battle, said: “It’s very important for people to shop in their local stores and help keep our high streets alive”.
Paula Williams, of British design British made, High Street, Battle said: Shopping local is better for the environment and for supporting your local community. If you look, you’ll be really surprised what you can buy locally. Buying online is no substitute for seeing the real thing and you don’t have the hassle of sending it back if it’s not what you expected. You know it makes sense – Shop Local, Love Local!”
Celebi Tas of Sidley Fish and Chips in Ninfield Road said: “Supporting local businesses is really important in the run up to Christmas. We are open right up to Christmas Eve and reopen again on the 27th – always ready to serve our community in Sidley.”
Jane Tritton of Greenfinch in Church Street, Ticehurst said: “Local shops, pubs and cafes are at the very heart of their communities – providing not only goods and services, but a place where locals pop in every day just for a chat.”
Cllr Christine Bayliss, Deputy Leader and Lead Cllr for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “It’s heartwarming to see more shops and restaurants supporting our campaign.
“We’ve been promoting Love Local for a number of years, encouraging people to support local businesses across Rother in the run up to Christmas.
“When you consider what businesses have gone through over the last few years – including Covid restrictions, the change in shopping habits, cost-of-living crisis, and soaring energy bills, it’s even more important for us to shop, eat and support local if we can.”
To help encourage people to visit their local high street, the council is also waiving parking charges in some of its off-street car parks on selected dates. Full details can be found on our car parking page.
Published: 19th December 2023
