Lockdown in Midhurst and Petworth - ‘This will add more challenges to an already difficult year’

Non-essential businesses will have to close from today (Thursday) until December 2 after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the new four-week national lockdown at the weekend, as Covid-19 cases continue to rise at a concerning rate.

People are being asked to stay at home unless for specific purposes – such as childcare, exercise, buying food, or if you cannot work from home.

Gordon McAra, who also serves on Chichester District Council, told fellow councillors during a meeting last month that another lockdown would tip some struggling businesses ‘over the edge completely’.

“It is immensely frustrating that we will have to lock down again, just as our shops and businesses are just getting back to a degree of normality,” Mr McAra said.

“Our brain dead government seems determined to punish the private sector on the basis of very flimsy evidence that they are spreading the Covid[-19] virus.

“Fortunately Midhurst now has quite a few resources to help tide us over the coming month, with the outstanding Midhurst Angels, our churches, the foodbank and the town council all pulling together.

“The big question, though, is will all our shops and businesses make it through to December and will we then continue to be closed down because of the infection rate in somewhere, hundreds of miles away?”

Petworth Town Council said businesses have ‘already suffered’ this year and ‘will do again’.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst the national lockdown is disappointing and will add more challenges to this already difficult year, the health and safety of residents and visitors to Petworth is of paramount importance hence we would urge everyone to follow the government’s guidelines.

“Many of Petworth’s businesses have an online presence and some are offering essential services including click and collect as well as deliveries to the local area. For an up to date list of businesses offering essential services during the lockdown please contact the town council on 01798 344883. Please do support local businesses wherever possible and help them get through this unprecedented year as best you can.”

All the places in the Chichester district which will have to close during second lockdown

Chichester District Council said it was ‘awaiting more details’ from the government, regarding the economic support packages it will be offering to businesses.

A spokesperson said: “Throughout the year supporting businesses has always been one of our priorities and we anticipate that the second lockdown announced by the government will have a significant impact on businesses across the Chichester district.

“As soon as we are able to we will update our website to reflect the financial support available.”

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