Local businesses in a "forgotten" part of the city are seeking to revive local trade and save stores from the brink of closure.

Businesses in Kemp Town, Brighton, want to put the area back on the map as many shoppers mainly focus on commercial St James's Street.

Barbary Lane, a local fashion store known for its Pride designs is “under threat of closure” after being in the heart of the city for eight years.

Owner Lynne Gillett said: ”It's been such a tough few years for all small independent businesses, but we're now at breaking point.  

“The Co-Op opposite is closed for 2 months and the expanded store will be great. But in the meantime we are scared people will go elsewhere to shop.

“Together we are stronger, and can keep this hidden gem of Brighton vibrant and alive.”

Barbary Lane put a sign out in a bid to stop closure (Image: Ramy Abou-Setta / The Argus)

Lou Hill, owner of Human Kind Yoga Studios on Montague Street, has also felt the impact of the temporary closure of the supermarket.

“We have a lovely community here in Kemp Town, it’s great to live here and be a part of the lives of the residents here," she said.

“The Sea Lanes and the temporary closure of the Co-op have really pulled a lot of our footfall away from the village, as there is less incentive to go through St George’s Road. Which is something we are having to contend with and find a workaround.

“Kemp Town does not end with St James' Street and we will do all we can to remind people of that.”

Lou Hill, owner of Human Kind Yoga Studio  (Image: Ramy Abou-Setta / The Argus)

Fran Soler, owner of cafe Egg and Spoon, said: “It just all puts you the businesses in a bit of a situation, and we often get forgotten about as we are further along Kemp Town."

But the local community makes it all worth it, another business owner said.

Anita Hemblade, owner of Wendy Kelly Flowers, told us: "Thank God for the local residents, they are incredibly loyal.

“Some of my customers have been incredible and have helped us through some tough times during lockdown when they didn’t have to.

“This community makes it all worth it and keeps us going.”

Sarah Edwards, owner of Bell and Fox in Kemp Town Village (Image: Ramy Abou-Setta / The Argus)

Businesses are now seeking to restart a local business association, called the Village Business Association, and meet with Brighton and Hove City Council to find solutions to revive local trade.

There is due to be a meeting in September between the local businesses in Kemp Town Village and the council, with local councillors and MP Chris Ward for Brighton Kempton and Peacehaven, to see what can be done to increase footfall.

 

Sarah Edwards, owner of Bell and Fox and chairwoman of the Village Business Association, said: ” When people think of Kemp Town they just think of St James' Street and it ends there, when in reality that is just the start and there is an entire community and ecosystem that lies further along the way.Co-op in Kemp Town Village is temporarily closed (Image: Ramy Abou-Setta / The Argus)

 

“That’s why we call ourselves Kemp Town Village stores, as it is different.”

Sarah said business owners will do everything to revitalise the area and get on one accord.

"We chose to place our business in the heart of the village, as we live here and love it here," she added.

“The local customers are incredibly loyal; they have been such a blessing. Most of the owners across the Kemp Town Village are local and live in the area and want to see this thrive as it has done prior to Covid.

“We do not want to see our businesses be on the brink of closure.”