It is absurd that Cornwall Council's Independent cabinet member for the economy recently told Cornish small businesses it is better to lose a summer season and rely upon government grants.
As a small business owner, who opened our shop just three days before the lockdown, I know that a majority of Cornish businesses will not survive on grants alone. The harsh reality is that for thousands of Cornish businesses, these grants have barely covered fixed monthly costs.
Cornwall Council must invest in a plan that will allow for a sensible, socially distanced reopening of Cornwall as soon as is safe to do so. It should look to Wadebridge’s recent example of a successful re-opening of its high street, bringing together local businesses, charities and volunteers to maintain public safety.
We've got to get the balance right to protect our community, prevent the spread of Covid-19 and help keep Cornish businesses trading.