Yesterday was Small Business Saturday and after my councillor surgery, I headed to meet some local businesses and hear about the issues that are most affecting them as well as buy what they sell.
It was lovely to be at Sabores da Terra, a Portuguese café/shop and meet manager, Rosa. We discussed the exciting plans for Purley's district centre regeneration through the Purley Pool project and how this will have a knock-on effect on local businesses.
Next up was over the road to Purley Bon Bon, a long-standing newsagents run by Ketan and Sushma. Ketan and I have liaised on a number of issues since my election, including the successful resurfacing of footpath 109. It was good to catch-up with them on local issues, including the need for more bins in Purley.
I then visited Garden Scent to talk about the impact the Downlands Precinct walkway closure is having on their business. They are a lovely florist and plant shop with all sorts of interesting stuff. I am very sorry about the effect the ceiling collapse back in August has had on footfall to their shop. The Purley BID is putting pressure on the landlord to undertake the remediation works as soon as possible, and I am urging Council officers to take appropriate enforcement action given this is a public right of way.
Small Business Saturday is one of my favourite days of the calendar as a councillor. We're lucky to have a lot locally and I encourage residents to shop local, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
