Cash gift will boost Christmas shopping in Lyme
�2,000 windfall will help the council promote a series of late night shopping events throughout December
AN unexpected gift is helping Lyme Regis Town Council to bring more Christmas cheer to the town’s traders this year.
It is using a �2,000 windfall from West Dorset District Council to promote a series of late night shopping events in the run up to the big day.
Rikey Austin, vice-chairman of the council’s tourism and advertising sub-committee, said they had been looking at the best ways to use the new business support grant.
She told The Herald: “Obviously we’re delighted with the grant and want to make the best possible use of the funds, so it has been decided to invest them in generating interest in the town during the winter months, which are traditionally so difficult for local businesses.”
As a result councillors and local traders have quickly put together an initiative to support and promote Christmas shopping in Lyme Regis through a series of late night opening days. Cash will be used to promote these through a comprehensive advertising and public relations campaign in local and regional press.
Shops and businesses throughout the town are being invited to participate by staying open until 8pm on the four Fridays leading up to Christmas Eve, starting December 2.
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“We are encouraging everyone to join in – not just on Broad Street - but the Coombe Street and Town Mill area, along the front and the Cobb, too”, said Cllr Austin.
“With the wonderful energy and ideas coming from our local businesses and an unbeatable setting we think we’re at the beginning of a Christmas tradition that will grow and grow.”
Shops are being encouraged take part in a best dressed window competition, with a �100 prize awarded on December 23.
The initiative will also embrace a series of additional Christmas activities, including a Christmas market at the Town Mill from December 9–11 and the Christmas tree festival at the Baptist Church from December 13-17, culminating with the traditional Carols around the Christmas Tree on Friday December 23.
Further information is available on www.lymeregis.org .
