Traders In Lowedges Support Work for a Better Community
Local traders and shopkeepers in the Lowedges area of Sheffield, have come on board to help Sheffield Homes build a better community for local people.
The shopkeepers on Lowedges Road, which include Rowlands Pharmacy, Lowedges Post Office, Barkers the Bakers, Drury Smith NHS, Costcutter and Hair Zone have been working with Sheffield Homes South West Community Engagement Team to sign up to Sheffield Homes’ award winning Good Trader Agreements.
The Good Trader Agreement aims to give traders and local communities the tools to stand firm in their fight against anti-social behaviour, and to encourage local traders to work together to make their shopping area a clean, safe and attractive place for local people to visit.
To encourage local traders and shopkeepers to keep the area around the Lowedges Road parade an appealing and attractive place for local residents to visit, Sheffield Homes staff are also helping to clean off any graffiti from the shops.
Les Benn, Sheffield Homes Area Manager explains, “We’re delighted that so many shopkeepers have agreed to sign up to the Good Trader Agreement. Shops have always been an important part of life for local people and being a Good Trader means that local businesses are committed to helping to maintain and improve the community.”
The Agreements cover a range of trade areas including:
- Treating everyone with respect
- Keeping the area tidy by keeping the front and back of the shop clean from litter and graffiti
- Respecting the environment by using a trade waste bin
- Keeping shops accessible by reporting illegal parking, abandoned vehicles and damage to footpaths
- Helping to keep the area safe and pleasant by reporting broken street lights and damaged phone boxes
- Assisting in keeping crime to a minimum by reporting any incidents to the Police and Sheffield Homes
- Sharing helpful information with fellow traders
- Abiding by the law and control the sale of age restricted products
Good Trader Agreements were originally piloted in the north of the city. Following a huge take up and success rate, they have now been rolled out to other shopping areas and precincts in areas surrounding Arbourthorne, Heeley, Sharrow, Sky Edge, Firth Park and Darnall.
Upon signing up, traders are given a copy of the signed Agreement along with a colourful window sticker to display in the shop window.
Traders signed up to the scheme across the city include supermarkets, independent shops, doctors, dentists, libraries, food takeaways, and petrol stations.