Nick Wiltshire comments on the Littlehampton economy

8.26.16am GMT Mon 16th Feb 2009

Nick Wiltshire - Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Littlehampton Town Council

While considerable financial pressure is being applied to traders throughout the Town there are residents living here who are experiencing considerable hardship in the places where they live, that they call "home". During the recent freezing weather some of our fellow residents had to endure not enjoy so-called home comforts! They may have been lucky enough not to be sleeping rough or sofa-surfing but these residents of Littlehampton experienced the misery that comes with not having any heating. As if that were not enough, some accommodation is so damp that walls are black with mould causing mildew on clothing and bedding as well as tenants experiencing ill-health, especially respiratory problems. The credit crunch is biting and it's not just the physically or financially vulnerable that are at risk. We need to look out for one another, to get through this difficult time, particularly with the strong assisting the weak in our community

Shops in the Town have disappeared because they have not remained economically viable for various reasons. At one time, there were at least three butchers' shops in the Town and now there are none due in part to shoppers choosing to buy their meat out of town or from supermarkets. Although there is a chilly economic wind blowing through the Town from Beach Town through the Town Centre to Wick Street, it can be weathered. The Town's businesses and traders need the support of Townsfolk to thrive so rather than get into the car & spend money on petrol or diesel to travel afar, shop local and be green to help the planet and the businesses in Beach Town, the Town Centre and Wick Street and see what the local traders can do for you. Every little helps!

Our Group should like to offer all Littlehampton residents our best wishes for 2009, in what is already proving to be challenging times. In the coming year, we will continue to aim to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society, in which we seek to balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community and in which no-one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.