Financial support offered to businesses as Midhurst councillor warns against second lockdown

Gordon McAra, who also serves on the Chichester District Council, provided a business update during a town council meeting on Monday evening.

He said: “A lot of businesses have temporarily closed and some haven’t reopened but still have the intention.

“Some older ones have closed as well as larger chains.

“Small businesses have got more tenacity [but] I only pray, with the rest of the council, that we don’t get some kind of ill-judged total lockdown in the area.That really would tip some of these struggling businesses over the edge completely.”

The council reminded business owners that they can apply for grants between £1,000 and £5,000.

Kate O’Kelly, West Sussex county councillor for Midhurst, expressed concern over the rising Covid-19 cases in West Sussex, ‘particularly in Chichester’.

She added: “I raised it with the county and district and I’m trying to find out if they can help with tracing if and when the government let local authorities in local tier areas do more work. It’s not possible at the moment. I am keen to link up with Midhurst Angels and other community groups. There are volunteers that are ready to help.”

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