The Aftermath of a Devastating Fire: Midhurst Receives a Funding Boost of £300,000 from Chichester District Council

A Historic Inn Reduced to a Façade

On March 16, a fire ravaged through the iconic Angel Inn in Midhurst, leaving behind only the building’s façade as a reminder of its history. The devastating event has sent shockwaves throughout the local community and beyond.

A Helping Hand for Local Businesses

Acknowledging the impact of the fire, Chichester District Council has decided to step up and provide some much-needed assistance to the town’s struggling businesses. The council has set aside a substantial amount of £300,000 to aid the recovery process.

A Business Grant Scheme and Training Support

The largest portion of the funding, a whopping £200,000, has been earmarked to create a business grant scheme to help local enterprises get back on their feet. In addition, the council has allocated £10,000 to provide training support for businesses.

Promotion and Marketing Support: The Key to Revitalization

The council recognizes the critical role that promotion and marketing play in revitalizing the town’s economy. To this end, £50,000 has been dedicated to supporting promotional activities by local business groups, including funding for future parking incentives. The council also plans to put on a large-scale event in the town later this year and increase marketing and promotion of the town.

Supporting Businesses in the Town

The council’s economic development team has appointed a member to provide support to local businesses for the next two months. Additionally, the council has established a business recovery group to aid in the recovery efforts. The council’s revenue team has also been providing advice to businesses paying business rates.

Free Parking as a Show of Solidarity

As a gesture of solidarity with the town, Chichester District Council is continuing to offer free parking in its Midhurst car parks until April 16. The council encourages residents and visitors alike to show their support for the town.

A Collective Commitment to Recovery

All agencies involved in the recovery process are committed to doing everything possible to assist Midhurst in recovering from this tragic incident. The council is working to reopen the road to vehicles as soon as possible to facilitate the recovery process.