Shoppers across West Sussex encouraged to visit their local high street this month
But, we are being reminded to show "nothing but respect and kindness" towards shop workers while we are out and about
Shoppers across West Sussex are being encouraged to support independent shops and businesses this month, in the run up to Christmas.
It comes as today (5 December) marks Small Business Saturday, a campaign which urges consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
Many local councils across the county have been launching their own campaigns this week.
In Littlehampton, residents are being told to "Spread some festive cheer - Shop Littlehampton" as part of Arun District Council's new social media campaign.
It aims to shine the spotlight on the town's independent shops and businesses and encourage people to stay safe and shop locally in December.
The campaign is a partnership between Arun District Council, Littlehampton Town Council and Littlehampton Traders Partnership, which represents the town’s independent retailers and businesses.
It is being hosted on the Shop Littlehampton Facebook page.
A ‘shop local, visit local, support local’ campaign has also been launched by Chichester District Council and its partners, urging people to support the area’s high streets as they have reopened this week, following the lifting of national coronavirus restrictions.
Parking incentives and extra safety measures are being introduced to encourage people to shop locally and to offer reassurance.
Covid Ambassadors are being appointed until February to help control queues and encourage social distancing.
There will be free parking every weekend in December in Avenue De Chartres car park in Chichester.
People can also use the MiPermit app to select two hours and get the third free in most council car parks across the district this month.
Traders across Adur and Worthing are also being given a seasonal boost, as the councils make sure Christmas trees bring cheers to town centres.
Adur & Worthing Councils have sourced and provided five evergreens to give its high streets a much-needed festive lift.
It forms part of the #WinterWelcomeAW campaign, which is being run by the councils to encourage people to get out and support the local economy.
Festive trees have already popped up in Southwick Square and East Street in Shoreham.
They will be accompanied by a series of lights adorning the main parades in both areas, which are funded by Adur District Council.
The Shoreham tree is sponsored by Fitzhugh Gates Solicitors, who pitched in to help spread festive cheer in the town centre.
Three further trees have been popping up in Worthing.
The fir in South Street Square has been sponsored by Empire Construction and will be officially switched on later this week.
Christmas trees have also appeared outside Worthing Town Hall and in Montague Place.
The Christmas lights have been paid for by local businesses and stretch from Brighton Road to Heene Road.
All the trees will be sourced sustainably from Balcombe Estate Sawmill near Haywards Heath.
It comes as part of Adur & Worthing Councils ’ wider efforts to give businesses a festive boost by working with Worthing Town Centre Initiative and other traders’ groups.
That includes distributing £3 million of Government-funded financial support to businesses in the area affected by the second coronavirus lockdown.
Shoppers are being reminded to show "nothing but respect and kindness" towards shop workers while they are out and about in the county this month, by Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC), Katy Bourne.
She has shared her concerns for their safety as shops reopen, with 76 per cent of shop workers responding to a recent survey experiencing more abuse, threatening behaviour and even physical assaults.
Katy Bourne, who is also the national business crime lead for the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners, said:
"The reopening of shops across the UK is welcome news for so many and will give our local high streets a much-needed financial boost.
"However, I do have serious concerns about the impact a Covid Christmas will have on shop workers.
"It has been a difficult year for us all in so many ways and shop workers have often borne the brunt with increased abuse and violence meted out against them.
"I want to make sure that the worries and frustrations of many this Christmas aren’t vented on those working long hours in our shops.
"If you are planning a shopping spree this week, please be patient and show some respect to our shopworkers.
"If there is an opportunity, do say thank you to those on the festive frontline.
"Kindness costs nothing and goes a long way."