Sudbury launches Virtual High Street to support local businesses online during coronavirus pandemic

A community initiative designed to support local businesses during the coronavirus outbreak has been launched in Sudbury.

Established online, Sudbury’s Virtual High Street enables people to order a range of goods from stores, which are operating a delivery or collection service in the town.

Run in partnership with Sudbury Town Council and business website thebestofSudbury, members of the public are being encouraged to support establishments by following them online via social media.

Praising the resilience of local traders, Sudbury town centre manager Rachel Price commended their camaraderie.

“Despite Sudbury’s independents facing yet another serious threat to their livelihoods, they’ve shown unwavering support for the most vulnerable in our community during this crisis,” she said. “In Sudbury, our community and businesses are interwoven.”

Highlighting the crucial role that local traders have played during the outbreak, Mrs Price said that, thanks to their work, people had been able to continue buying essential goods.

“Amid this crisis, people are really waking up to the benefits of shopping locally,” she said. “Every business and community organisation has had to rapidly adapt in response to this pandemic, while making impossible decisions in order to protect staff, clients and customers.

“But where the major chains have struggled to keep up with demand, our independents have been working twice as hard to ensure there is enough for everyone.”

To support the initiative, go online to www.sudburytowncouncil.co.uk/virtual-highstreet.