The team are
visiting towns
and villages to
share new ideas
with them that
have proven
successful in
other areas,
and to hear
what their high
street issues are.
34
Working to revive and
revitalise Wealden’s high
streets and communities.
Supporting businesses and
economic growth in Wealden is
important to Wealden District
Council. Many businesses are
located within or around the
District’s five principal market
towns of Crowborough,
Hailsham, Heathfield, Polegate
and Uckfield. Each town provides
key retail and employment
opportunities.
The prosperity of Wealden’s rural
economy is important to ensure
a vital future for business,
prosperity and job creation,
and Wealden District Council is
actively working with its towns
and villages to help high streets
successfully meet the challenges
of the 21st century.
Driven largely by the impact of a
combination of internet, out of
town and supermarket shopping,
Wealden’s high streets, like many
of Britain’s high streets are going
through a radical period of change.
The Streets Ahead team are
currently focused on supporting
the following towns and villages -
the market towns of Crowborough,
Hailsham, Heathfield, Polegate
and Uckfield; and the villages
of Alfriston, Forest Row,
Herstmonceux, Horam, Mayfield,
Pevensey Bay, Rotherfield,
Wadhurst and Willingdon.
It aims to:
•
champion the work of existing
town and village partnerships
•
raise the profile and share
examples of good practice
•
signpost High Street enquiries
and support local High Street
regeneration
•
work with partners to
promote and market their
town and villages
•
improve perceptions of
Wealden’s High Streets.
The team are visiting towns and
villages to share new ideas with
them that have proven successful
in other areas, and to hear what
their high street issues are. For
example, the need for greater
awareness and understanding
of social media, and how
businesses could be using these
communication tools to enhance
their business presence and
trade. Looking ahead, Wealden
District Council is committed
to creating a culture where
small businesses can thrive on
its high streets.
For more information on Streets
Ahead or to obtain an electronic
copy of the ‘Streets Ahead –
Ideas for Change Report’
(published September 2013),
please contact the Community
and Regeneration Team on
01892 602757 or Email:
Streets ahead in Wealden
East Sussex Business Guide & Directory
