A GROUP of small business owners campaigning to keep their seafront shops after major council renovations have secured a significant victory with Rother District Council confirming they will have the opportunity to return once the works are complete.
The news follows a tense period of uncertainty for the five independent traders at the Colonnade, who were previously told they must vacate the premises by September to allow essential repair work costing more than £660,000.
While the traders accepted the need for the maintenance, they feared they could be permanently displaced after being told they would need to reapply for their units post-renovation. A passionate campaign to save the shops attracted more than 4,500 signatures, with supporters insisting the traders deserved security and a clear path back.
At last night’s Full Council meeting (14 July), the petition, led by Charlotte Arundell, one of the Colonnade business owners was formally debated. Councillors unanimously agreed that existing traders will have first refusal on returning to their units once the refurbishment is complete.
The motion passed stated:
“That Council notes the petition and public support for our retail and catering tenants at the Colonnade and agrees the following points:
• We can guarantee that we will take into account the good relationships and excellent track record of existing tenants when new applications are assessed.
• All our leases offer fair terms as standard and the Council can demonstrate a long history of being a responsible and supportive landlord and partner to small businesses.
• The Council can confirm that its intention to repair the Colonnade has been clearly communicated to Colonnade tenants and wider stakeholders. While timeframes have been subject to change, the Council has taken steps to keep tenants updated of these changes.”
Speaking after the meeting, Charlotte Arundell told Bexhill News: “This is the best outcome we could have hoped for. We’re incredibly grateful to all the people who signed the petition and stood by us. The Colonnade businesses are part of Bexhill’s identity, and now we can look forward to returning once the work is done.”
The turnaround follows criticism last month after the petition was handed in at the Town Hall and no senior staff or councillors were available to receive it. Campaigners and supporters, including the President of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and County Councillor Ian Hollidge, expressed frustration over what they saw as a lack of engagement from the council.
Councillor Christine Bayliss told the BBC: “I am really delighted with the outcome and I have to take my hat off to Charlotte, she ran an excellent campaign and done a marvellous job.
“The traders will have to bid for their units in the same way as other businesses when the works have finished, but they will get preferential treatment, and I will be working with officers to figure out how that will work in a transparent way.”
