More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Closing the high street to cars, staging open-air events and managing flow of pedestrians could help the local economy rally post-lockdown.
These are some of the ideas contained in the Sevenoaks Town Draft Recovery Plan, which has been drawn up by community groups as a vision for life in the town centre after coronavirus.
The document has been produced following a virtual meeting attended by 38 representatives of organisations including the town and district councils, Sevenoaks & District Chamber of Commerce and local businesses.
Intended to promote debate about the post-Covid-19 recovery, the draft plan published by Sevenoaks Town Team sets out a range of ideas for bringing trade back to the town centre once Covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.
These include advancing proposals for a Cultural Quarter, promoting more outdoor events such as food festivals and film screenings, and encouraging click and collect shopping to promote ongoing social distancing.
Linda Larter, from Sevenoaks Town Team, said: "Sevenoaks town has experienced the same economic disruption as other parts of the UK and world due to the need to address public health concerns during the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to restrict public movement to contain the virus.
"The draft Sevenoaks Town Recovery Plan aims to set out practical measures where councils, businesses and residents can work together in everyone’s best interest so that Sevenoaks remains a vibrant place to live, work and do business."
The Town Team is now inviting residents to give their feedback on the document by completing an online survey. Responses will then be used by the organisations involved to develop an action plan to be implemented.
It has previously been announced that eligible firms in Sevenoaks and the surrounding area would receive support totalling more than £20 million as authorities look to cushion the blow to the economy caused by the pandemic.
