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17 March 2020c0sk8dBid

Fiona McArthur – manager of Bournemouth Coastal BID

Bournemouth Coastal BID is urging residents to use local businesses during the coronavirus outbreak – while they can.

Everyone in the BID’s seven ‘villages’ from Tuckton to Westbourne is being encouraged to make the extra effort to stay local wherever possible.

Businesses range from shops and pubs to garages, hotels and restaurants and all of them are suffering.

The BID’s ‘villages’ are Tuckton, Pokesdown, Southbourne, Boscombe, East Cliff & West Cliff, Seafront and Westbourne.

With events likely to be cancelled or postponed and many people likely to be self-isolating in the near future, the businesses will be hit hard.

Fiona McArthur, manager of the BID, said: “We represent wonderful local communities and we need to pull together.

“At this time of crisis we’re asking people to support their local businesses as best they can, while heeding all official advice.

“If everyone rallies round it will not only help the businesses financially but will let them know that we’re behind them.

“It is possible that the number of tourists will be down at the start of the season, which means there is even more reasons to stay local.

“While the coronavirus will cause a great deal of disruption it will be temporary and as far as we are able we must keep calm and carry on.

“We are monitoring the situation all the time and encourage everyone to follow official advice. 

“We will also be sharing information and advice to our levy payers to help them get through this difficult time.”