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Ryde Shows Support As Shops And Businesses Start To Reopen

As shops and businesses reopen on the Isle of Wight, people are being encouraged to think 'local' as part of the 'Let's Buy Local' campaign.

Non-essential shops are reopening in towns and villages, with shopkeepers working hard to prepare for opening, making important changes to their businesses to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for shoppers and staff.

Ryde Town Council is showing its support for the town’s retail businesses. The town council has been working closely with Ryde Business Association and the Isle of Wight Council to ensure as smooth an opening as possible.

Ryde Town Council is extending a warm welcome to shoppers to Ryde to shop in the town’s excellent range of independent retailers.

Businesses have had to do a lot of additional work to be ready for opening and the Town Council asks people to be patient and understanding as the town gets used to a new way of operating.

The 'Let's Buy Local' project aims to get Islanders tucking into high quality food and drink – grown or made on our doorstep

The Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Michael Lilley said:

“The community spirit of Ryde really shone during lockdown. The retail businesses that were open, along with others running online and delivery services kept the town going. Many of Ryde’s shopkeepers and staff volunteered to deliver shopping, collect prescriptions and many other acts of kindness.”

Ryde Town Council, in partnership with Ryde Aspire Community HUB, ran a force of approximately 300 volunteers which along with Isle of Wight Council, made thousands of deliveries during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Michael Lilley, said:

“I am so proud to be Mayor of a town with an electric and fantastic community spirit. I will be out shopping today to thank our local retailers from the bottom of my heart. I urge every resident to spend your money in Ryde town centre. Support your local shops and help rebuild and grown our town’s economy. Buy local, support local, as these shops support you!”

Zoe Thompson, Chair of Ryde Business Association said:

“As more shops begin to re-open, we would like to encourage people to ‘Think Local First’. Businesses have worked extremely hard to get to this point, and with tough times far from over, we need everyone to use our local shops. We have a strong network of independent businesses which we are really proud of. With the continued support of the community and the resilience of our brilliant business owners, we will do all we can to ensure Ryde makes a full recovery!”

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