About

The Shop and Dine Well in Wealden campaign was first launched in September 2020 by Wealden District Council.  

The first phase of the campaign was funded via the national ‘Re-opening High Streets Safely Fund’ and focused on supporting Wealden high streets and shopping areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

This activity included the provision of dedicated Information Officers to help high street businesses navigate COVID regulations and a public information campaign to encourage people to visit our high streets where safe to do so.  

The second phase of the campaign commenced in July 2021 and will continue to at least March 2022.  Activity is focused on encouraging residents to continue to ‘buy locally’ and support local Wealden businesses including our high streets and local farmers’ markets and craft fairs.

A wide-ranging marketing campaign is underway to encourage visitors to our town and village centres and support independent businesses as the pandemic continues.

Priorities are to:

- Encourage consumers to visit Wealden’s High Streets to shop, dine and enjoy leisure time;

- Support Wealden District Council’s Markets strategy and encourage new outdoor events;

- Highlight COVID-19 safety changes businesses and communities have taken to reassure residents/visitors;

- Support Wealden’s coastal areas to safely welcome visitors.

Created and delivered in partnership with Prowse & Co. Ltd, both phases of the campaign have been delivered in co-operation with local stakeholders, including Town and Parish Councils, Chambers of Commerce and community groups.

The project has received £351,605 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.  The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.  For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding .