Shocked by the ongoing saga of the Cowes Floating Bridge and the ensuing hardship that East Cowes businesses are facing as a result, Julie Jones-Evans and Lyn Blackledge are reviving their Cash Mob initiative from 2012 to show support and remind everyone of how important local shops are to Island communities.
Various studies have shown that when £10 is spent in a local business £7-8 keeps circulating in the local economy, when it is spent in a chain store only £3 stays locally.
Angela Booth, a member of East Cowes Business Association who runs Valu-4-U and the Tourist Information Point has said:
“This is serious. The bridge has been out of action for five months, and many businesses are hanging on by their fingertips, and three have closed.
“The IW Council’s delays and mistakes hurt Islanders and our businesses. It really is a case of use us or lose us and I dread to think what will become of our community and the economy in East Cowes. It’s often the first impression that visitors see when they get off the ferry, and seeing a ghost town is not a good start.
“All of us in East Cowes value your support during this difficult time and rest assured we will be looking to the Solent LEP and IW Council to take responsibility for this unmitigated disaster”.
Lyn and Julie are asking people to gather at 16:00 on Tuesday (23rd May) at King’s Square by Waitrose, with £5 (or more) to spend and follow them where a local business will get a surprise.
Julie has said:
“Did you know that many local businesses have high street and grocery store products for less and also carry unique items? Our cash mobs four years ago helped to highlight how important it is too keep our wealth circulating locally – because it helps Island families – and it’s even more important today.
“Local currencies such as the Brixton Pound are ways that embed this principle, creating more wealth for local communities, and this is tried and tested model could be perfect for the Island, supporting businesses run or owned by people who live on the Isle of Wight, not sending out pounds to corporate America and other countries.”
