Haywards Heath shopping centre boss looks forward to stores reopening

Nicola Bird, manager of the Orchards Shopping Centre in Haywards Heath, spoke out after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a roadmap out of lockdown yesterday.

She said: “With the accelerating of vaccinations, and a roadmap now shared on the removal of restrictions, the team at the Orchards are looking forward to again being at the heart of the community, and supporting our retailers as they will need to look to recover, like all of us, from the impacts the pandemic has had.

“Whilst sadly we have not been able to run our event schedule as normal, we have taken the opportunity to ensure every local care home, and the Princess Royal hospital have all benefitted from huge hampers of fruit for staff and residents – this has been supported by many of our generous customers, as well as the staff working across the lockdown – and of course Orchards Fruits who generously contributed to every hamper.”

She said the centre had suffered its own ups and downs throughout the past year.

“2020 Will be known for Covid-19 and the lockdowns, with the very visible impact of essential retailers being the only stores allowed to open for the Orchards.

“I am delighted that during this period Orchards Fruits were able to extend their opening hours and ensure such fantastic, fresh, natural products were available to all of our community. Not only did this attract hundreds of customers, they have delivered to many who were shielding.

“Across the country footfall in high streets and shopping centres has dropped by 70 – 80 per cent – I am thrilled that by comparison we saw our numbers between 20 – 30 per cent higher.”

But, she said, there had been some casualties. “Unfortunately during this time Calliope (the gift shop) made the decision that with all of their business and competition being online, they will sadly not be reopening post this lockdown, they will be greatly missed for their wonderful and often quirky products that have brought a smile to so many throughout their time with us.”

She added: “Whilst during 2020 and in 2021 many people have worked tirelessly to support the community, it has also been tarnished with a little sadness. “We know many of our community have had their own personal journeys and in many cases lost a loved one.

“We have also unfortunately suffered from an increase in anti-social behaviour from a minority who have really not supported the spirit and need of the lockdown.

“We continue to work with our incredibly supportive constabulary and relevant authorities to ensure we reduce this sad element as quickly as possible.”