Ashburton's Chamber of Trade Chair Lydia Wood and Member of Parliament Mel Stride have issued a joint appeal to residents in and around Ashburton to support their high street as businesses work to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The pair met outside Lydia’s antique shop In a Nutshell and were joined by local Teignbridge District Councillor Sarah Parker-Khan and Town Clerk Bruce Broughton.
Mel said:
“There are few towns of Ashburton’s size anywhere in the country that can compete with its impressive variety of independent shops and our message is that Ashburton is very much open for business.”
Highlighting the steps businesses have gone to in order to be Covid-19 safe, Lydia added:
“Our local businesses have been working hard to make sure it is as safe as it can be to come and shop in Ashburton. The traders are being very responsible when it comes to limiting the number of customers in their shops at any one time and ensuring social distancing is maintained. We are ready to welcome you so please come and support us!”
During their meeting the four discussed the work the chamber has done to help businesses, including producing Covid-19 packs for all shops requesting them, which contains posters, sanitiser and face shields. They also discussed their concerns that the real challenge for local businesses may prove to be the autumn when the tourist trade dies down.
