Pallant Orthodontics
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Invisalign OPEN DAY Sat 24th June 2017 10am - 3pm
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Issue: 58
Chichester Post ISSN 2397-8732
ChichesterPost Your FREE weekly independent newspaper
t es er g r p La spa p s ' i ea ew sh Ar E N der E a FR Re
Friday, June 9, 2017
www.chichesterpost.co.uk See page 5 XX
Improvements at city dog barn
See page 8 XX
Museum's first Living Festival is a huge success - see page 3
High Street is not in turmoil BY RUTH SCAMMELL ruth.scammell@sussexpost.co.uk THE chairman of Chichester's Business Improvement District (BID) has reassured residents and visitors after a succession of firms closed their doors in the city centre. In recent months, many businesses have either moved out of the city centre
or closed down, including Thornton's, Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe and cafe Maison Blanc. Argos has also moved, to operate inside the Sainsbury's store inside Westhampnett Road. Mothercare announced its departure from the city after closing last week - however, it is understood jewellers Ernest Jones is interested in moving into the site.
But Chichester District Council has said there is no cause for concern as the occupancy rate in the city centre remains at around 96 per cent. That's well above the south east average of 91 per cent. Colin Hicks, chairman of the Chichester BID, said: "We have to be very careful how we interpret what's happening in the high street. "Chichester is doing very well. That's not to say that the high street isn't under
pressure. "It's true that internet shopping has affected every high street in the country." Mr Hicks said that nationally, footfall for many retailers including fashion, books and music, was down by about 20 per cent. And around 60 per cent of all sales were now happening online. Continued on page seven
GARDEN FURNITURE
& BBQ SALE Russells has the biggest display of garden furniture in the area
Find us in Birdham on the road to West Wittering beach
www.russellsgardencentre.com
Photojournalist fights for wildlife