Chichester businesses 'optimistic' as shops reopen

Many of the businesses have seen no custom in the past three months but now, with safety measures in place, business owners have been able to welcome shoppers back with open arms.

Pete Twigg manages Timpson's in South Street and said the shop has been open since Thursday (June 4) but said it was very quiet.

"I think everyone is frightened but I'm not apprehensive. It is nice seeing people back on the streets, we live on footfall - the more people that walk past the more they notice that I am open."

The shop is operating under a 'one customer at a time' policy and a plastic board has been put by the till to ensure staff and customer safety.

One person has been furloughed at Timpson's but Pete said he is looking forward to bringing them off the government's scheme.

Dave Hockridge, who owns Present Surprise in South Street, said: "We have got everything in place: hand sanitisers; facemasks; and we've had a deep clean.

"I'm hoping they are all going to be spending money with the local businesses - only time will tell. People are understandably wary of the situation. It is a real relief to be open.

"There are only so many days you can go on long dog walks or decorating the house.

"It's nice to see the other shops open and hopefully people will be coming down to support the high street and support local independents."

Is he feeling optimistic about the future of the high street? It is 'hard to tell', he said.

"I'm hoping for the best but at the end of the day are only going to know how it has gone at 5.30 this evening."

Another change Dave is having to deal with is limiting the number of customers allowed in the shop at any one time while maintaining the recommended two metre distance.

"That will be the biggest change really," he added, "I think everybody in the retail business, bars, pubs and restaurants are hoping the two metre rule will be relaxed to one metre."

Mel Luckes, who owns Luckes in North Street, has also set up a one-way system and has removed table and chairs to allow for more space.

"I thought to myself 'how am I going to come back from this? What can I do as a business person? This is my livelihood."

Mel decided to set up a website for the shop to sell their wares as well as branching out into the catering business. But with a budget, Mel decided to take on the task herself.

"It would have been many thousands of pounds but I don't have that money. I set it up myself and spent hundreds of hours learning how to - I'm very very proud

"A lot of good has come out of it but from a place of absolute despair, fear and worry. I was worried about my family, but when customers came in with big smiles on their faces there was a feeling of optimism and we are seeing that with all the customers that come in - it is lovely to see and we are here for them."

See pictures from the day here: Shoppers return to Chichester and Bognor Regis as businesses reopen - In pictures