Lower Street Association: Strengthening the Heart of Pulborough’s Local Economy

Lower Street has long been one of Pulborough’s most characterful and community‑minded areas — a place where independent traders, familiar faces, residents and local heritage meet.

The newly formed Lower Street Association aims to build on that identity with a clear, structured mission: to support traders, enhance the street’s visibility, and deepen its connection with residents and the wider community.

This is not simply a business group. It is a collective effort to ensure all occupants of Lower Street thrive in a welcoming, resilient, and recognisable part of Pulborough’s civic and commercial life.

Mission and Purpose

The Association’s mission is to champion Lower Street as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors, a place for collaboration and shared ambition. Its work focuses on:

• Creating a unified identity for Lower Street, helping it to stand out as a distinct and valued part of the village
• Supporting traders through collective initiatives, practical resources, and opportunities for collaboration
• Strengthening community ties, ensuring Lower Street remains a place where people feel connected, informed, and proud of their local high street

This mission reflects a wider commitment to safeguarding Pulborough’s local economy while celebrating the heritage and individuality that make Lower Street unique.

Who the Association Serves

The Lower Street Association is designed to be inclusive and accessible. Its core membership is made up of:

• Independent shops and small businesses
• Local service providers
• Cafés, bars and hair salons
• Community organisations with an interest in the area
• Local residents

Anyone connected to Lower Street is encouraged to engage with the Association’s work, recognising that a thriving Lower Street benefits the whole village.

Why Traders Should Get Involved

For traders, being an active member of the Association offers practical advantages that are difficult to achieve alone:

• Collective promotion and visibility: Coordinated marketing, shared campaigns, and seasonal events to help attract footfall and raise the profile of the street.
• A stronger voice in local decision‑making: Issues such as parking, signage, public improvements, and accessibility carry more weight when raised collectively.
• Opportunities for collaboration: Cross‑promotions, shared expertise, and joint initiatives become easier and more effective through structured cooperation.
• Access to wider community partnerships: Working with the Parish Council, Pulborough Community Partnership, local volunteer groups, and other organisations opens doors to funding, events, and strategic support.
• Greater resilience in challenging times: A connected network of traders and residents is better equipped to adapt, innovate, and support one another.

Benefits for the Community

The impact of the Lower Street Association Street contributes to:

• A healthier local economy, with increased footfall and business stability
• A more attractive and welcoming high street, shaped by shared improvements and coordinated presentation
• Enhanced community cohesion, turning Lower Street into a social space as well as a commercial one
• Protection of local heritage, ensuring the area’s historic character is preserved and celebrated
• A platform for local voices, enabling residents and traders to shape the future of their village together

A Call to Action

The Lower Street Association represents a meaningful step toward a linked, confident, and community‑centred Pulborough. Traders who join contribute not only to their own success but to the vitality of the village as a whole. Residents who support the initiative help to strengthen the local economy and preserve the character of a cherished part of Pulborough. 

Lower Street has always been a place where people know one another, where independent businesses shape the rhythm of daily life. The Association offers a way to protect that spirit while building a future that is collaborative, visible, and resilient.

To find out more and to get involved contact xxxxxxxxxxxxxx