The increases in business rates which are hitting local businesses are of grave concern. Already several small retailers have left South Road and the drastic rises in costs for some small shops will put more pressure on those that remain.

Liberal Democrats want to see more done to support local traders and to help keep a lively and vibrant town centre. We believe that the Council could do more to help.

• Support the case for business rates relief – lobby the government to help
• Support the business community through a more flexible approach on car parking charges
• Provide better support to business in  Mid Sussex with more resource for economic development