Craven Arms is safe, and very much open for business – that’s the message from independent traders who are urging shoppers to support the town’s hard-working retailers.
The town was given the all-clear in early August after an outbreak of coronarivus which was contained to a nearby travellers’ site.
Local traders have been open as usual, and are now encouraging people to show their support at a time when it is needed the most.
Lee Chapman, Shropshire Councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, and chair of Shropshire’s Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “This has been a challenging time for the Craven Arms community, but I would like to express my sincere gratitude for their continued co-operation.
“I have nothing but admiration for the way people have pulled together and done their bit to help us stop the spread of the virus. People have followed the measures put in place to keep everyone safe, and nearly 400 residents took up the offer of testing. The fact that there were no confirmed cases outside of the Long Lane site speaks volumes.
“During the lockdown many of us turned to local providers who stepped into the breach to prevent shortages and to provide home deliveries. They provided a lifeline for many residents here in Craven Arms, by quickly adapted to providing an online or take-away service for their products. Businesses have also worked extremely hard to keep customers safe by putting COVID-secure measures in place.
Harry Delves, from Tuffins supermarket said his business was one of the lucky ones, able to continue trading through lockdown. But he said turnover was around 40% down since the outbreak.
“We have been decimated by the recent situation. I think people are avoiding Craven Arms because there has been a lot of negative press; we need to say Craven Arms is open for business.
“Local officials did an incredible job, but it doesn’t seem to have got into the open world that Craven Arms is Covid-free.
“We want to be a hub for the community, and for everyone to be coming and buzzing around the town again.”
Mr Delves spoke to Sunshine Radio's Shaun Moore:
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