District Dispatch

It’s unbelievable to think that there are only six weeks until Christmas. This week, we are launching our popular Countdown to Christmas campaign, which encourages everyone to support our local businesses.

From popping into a local family-run bakery for a loaf of bread, or buying a quirky gift from an independent shop, by shopping locally people can help local business owners and communities to recover from the challenges of the last two years.

We’re really pleased that our partners from across the district, including the Observer Series and V2 radio, will be supporting us with this important campaign.

To encourage people to shop locally, we are introducing a package of parking incentives to further support local businesses this Christmas. These offers include: selecting two hours and getting a third free in most council-owned car parks across the district in December, when using the MiPermit app; free parking every weekend in December in the Avenue de Chartres car park in Chichester; and, free parking after 4pm in the Avenue de Chartres car park for the Chichester Christmas Light Switch On event on Saturday 27 November, and for the Chichester late night shopping on 2, 9, 16 and 23 December.

We have also created recycled wrapping paper and gift tags, which are tailored for the city and each of our towns. Our partners at the BID, business associations and parish councils in each location are helping us to distribute these to local businesses who can give them away for free when people buy from them. So, please look out for these when you are shopping locally. You can also download the designs at: www.chichester.gov.uk/countdowntochristmas This is a great way of celebrating our local area and showing your family and friends where you have bought your gifts. You can find out more at: www.chichester.gov.uk/countdowntochristmas

Last week, we agreed to release funding to explore the possibility of a new project to support the high street in Chichester. We have been allocated £70,000 from the Business Rates Pool by West Sussex County Council to establish an ‘innovative high street project.’ We are keen to use the funds for a feasibility study to explore the potential of a project to develop a new destination market and event space to the Cattle Market and / or Little London car park locations. This could include a possible covered area to be used all year round. We will keep you updated on this.

While on the subject of markets, I hope you had the opportunity to visit ‘The Cross, Market and More’, which took place on 7 November in Chichester. This was a brand new quality street market, which featured local designers and producers. We introduced this following an increase demand for more varied types of markets across the district. It was incredibly successful and we hope to bring this back two or three times a year.

I’m also pleased to tell you that building works are due to start on the £6 million redevelopment of St James’ Industrial Estate in Chichester. The estate has been in need of updating and is part of our desire to provide quality business accommodation.

Last week, we also agreed to fund the community warden service for the next year, so that our team can continue work with residents to reduce low level crime and tackle social issues. Since we announced this on social media, we have had some really lovely comments about how important our community wardens are to you. We recognise the important role they play and so it’s great to hear you feel the same way too.

Finally, a date for your diary! We are running a special event for homeowners who are looking to make their homes more energy efficient and find out more about renewable energy. The event takes place on Monday 29 November at Chichester College from 2pm – 4.15pm. It’s free to attend, but tickets must be booked in advance at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/energy-efficiency-and–renewable-energy-in-the-home-tickets-196443486757

Best wishes

Cllr Eileen Lintill

Leader of Chichester District Council