News on Catford Town Centre

The High Street is back!

As further measures to ease lockdown came into place at the beginning of this week, it was a week of big change across the country, especially for our high streets. Catford Town Centre was no different and it was fantastic to see some of our beloved small businesses begin to open up again.

Supporting independent, local shops is now more important than ever before. Independent shops are what make towns and high streets unique and with more and more of us working from home, there is a real opportunity to re-engage with shops and eateries which are close to you. Pick up a coffee from your nearby cafe on your lunch break or treat yourself to a hot take-away meal from your local pub or restaurant.

Whilst we encourage you to shop local and support your high street, please stick to the government guidelines to keep yourself and fellow Catfordians safe. Keep 2 metres from others, don’t touch goods you don’t intend to buy and use contactless or card payment where you can. Many shops will have a one in one out system in place so please try and be patient. Shopping will be a different experience to what it was before lockdown and may take a little longer than usual. Improving cycling and walking in Catford

Improving cycling and walking in Catford

Another change in Catford this week was the installation of temporary barriers and a parking suspension on Sangley Road. These measures are designed to make it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists as they travel around Catford. From the 23rd June these measures will also be introduced to George Lane.

Small Business Support Fund

On Tuesday, Lewisham Council opened applications for the Small Business Support Fund. The fund is designed to help local charities, social enterprises and small businesses which have experienced a significant decrease in income as a result of the pandemic and have not yet received financial support.

They have four funding categories;

1) Charities identified by Revenue Services as in receipt of charitable business rates relief, which would otherwise have been eligible for 100% Small Business Rates Relief. £5,000 per organisation.

2) Small businesses and social enterprises in shared offices or other flexible workspaces which do not have their own business rates assessment. £5,000 for those employing fewer than ten people, £10,000 for those employing ten or more people.

3) Small businesses and social enterprises in the Cultural, Creative and Evening and Night Time Economy sectors with a rateable value of less than £51,000. £5,000 for those employing less than ten people, £10,000 for those employing ten or more people.

4) Independent grassroots, small businesses or social enterprises that make a considerable impact on the local economy and the vibrancy of high streets and town centres. These ‘growth builders’ support a significant number of jobs, encourage footfall and trade in the area and are crucial for our local economy’s growth and strategic regeneration. Grants up to £25,000 per organisation.

You don’t have long to apply, applications close on Monday 29 June 2020 at 5pm. Apply here https://lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/business/business-support-during-covid-19/small-business-support-fund