Locals urged to support Midhurst businesses as customer numbers drop following fire

The closure of North Street's impacting business - despite the majority of them being open

Locals are being urged to support Midhurst businesses after the closure of North Street following a fire saw customer numbers drop.

Schemes such as free parking have been introduced to get more people visiting the town again - despite the road being closed off for vehicles. Reports from some shopkeepers have said that they've seen takings drop by 40-50%. 

Audrey works at clothing store Stepping Out, and says she's trying to use her social media pages to showcase the businesses:

"I'm Instagramming and I'm posting and doing loads and loads of videos of the shops, the town and everything else to try and get people into Midhurst. 

"I've spoken to people today who've said they weren't aware of the situation. They didn't realise the effect it has on the town."

The council is reminding people that free parking is available in all of their car parks until the 16th of April - but all businesses can be accessed through walking.

Events and Promotions Officer for Midhurst Town Council Jess Brown-Fuller elaborates: "You can reach both ends of the town by foot. I know the weather's not great at the moment, but pop a brolly on, cower in the shops - they'd be happy to have you!"

Their latest update details that there's specialists from multiple agencies working on getting North Street up and running - including from History England and the South Downs National Park Authority - a task expected to take until the end of the week.

A "clear indication on timescales" is expected to be given next week on how they plan to repair the building. The council adds that "the situation is incredibly complex" given the hotel's status as a listed building, meaning "legal processes must be followed."

"All agencies involved are committed to doing everything they can to get the road reopened as soon as they can and helping Midhurst to recover from this dreadful incident.

"The partners will continue to keep businesses and residents closely updated on the situation."

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