Bognor Regis traders agree to another meeting to ensure their voices are heard

The unanimous decision was made by the 15-plus business owners who attended an initial meeting last Thursday.

It will be a further step to enable them to have a collective voice to ensure their priorities and views are heard.

Damon Parkinson, the owner of Simply Delicious, said: “We are delighted that a traders’ group is being formed.

“It will give businesses a good platform with a strong voice to help support the town centre improvements and to assist in driving forward ideas and suggestions to make the town centre a destination venue.

“As experienced town centre traders being given the opportunity to work as partners with tourism and events, Bognor Regis Town Council and Arun District Council can only strengthen the versatility Bognor town centre can offer to all its users.”

Alan Verrill, from Specsavers, stated: “It was an interesting meeting and the group seems to be a positive thing for the future of Bognor.”

As reported, the meeting resulted from the most comprehensive survey of town centre businesses since the early Nineties. It formed part of the joint district and town council initiative to regenerate the central shopping area aroudn the London Road precinct.

The meeting was held in the town hall. Local and national businesses were represented. They ranged from independent food and craft shops to letting agents and optician chains.

The University of Chichester and business groups, such as the chamber of commerce, the town’s branch of the Federation of Small Businesses were also present.

Details of the second meeting have yet to be confirmed. But it was agreed members of Littlehampton Town Traders’ Partnership and Worthing Business Improvement District should be invited to speak.

Inquiries to Caroline Gosford on 01903 737584 or Sue Holmes on 01243 825535.