Given the latest Government advice requiring persons to stay at home and minimise the risk of infection, we have reviewed the agreements that we have for premises which offer a service to the public such as cafes, kiosks, or use council land such as ice cream vans, donkeys, inflatables, leisure & sporting activities and any seating areas associated with a business offering take-away services.
This week we have taken the step to notify them to immediately stop trading if they have not already done so.
Obviously, we understand that during these uncertain times our tenants and licensees who rely on the public for their trade will be concerned about getting through this period of closure. We too are concerned. We want their business to survive to be able to trade when it is safe to do so. We are a tourist area and we need them to get through these times, so we can all be ready for when the visitors return to our beaches, parks and open spaces.
Therefore, Fylde Borough Council have offered financial support to help them get through the coming months and be ready to re-start their business operations once Public Health England and the NHS advise that it is safe to do so.
Councillor Sue Fazackerley MBE, Fylde Council Leader, said: “The tourist economy is absolutely essential to Fylde and our tenants and licensees play a major role in this. We are all suffering as a result of the pandemic and this three month relaxation from fees will lessen the financial burden on those who make their living enhancing, not only our tourist offer but providing many facilities enjoyed by our residents”.
We have initially proposed a three month concession, but will review the situation and if necessary a further rent concession may be offered by the Council.