Lane and Vale businesses bounce back for Mother’s Day (From Streatham Guardian)

Streatham Lane and Streatham Vale businesses bounce back for Mother’s Day

2:42pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News

Businesses in the Streatham Vale and Greyhound Lane area are determined to bounce back from the devastating effects of the local railway bridge closure with a new campaign and Mother’s Day promotion, launching today.

Local businesses have reported up to a 70% drop in sales due to the fall in passing trade and many are struggling to survive. Funded by the Streatham Bridge Business Association (SBBA), ‘Lane & Vale’ is a community campaign, designed to boost local businesses through a series of events and promotions. The campaign kicks off with a range of special offers and events for Mother’s Day, which this year falls on Sunday March 10th.

As part of this first initiative, at least 10 local businesses will be running promotions, including discounts on bubbly, gorgeous gift hampers, fabulous meal deals, and pampering presents. In addition, The Railway pub will play host to ‘The Mother of All Weekenders’, which includes live music, a paper flower-making workshop, a Mother’s Day themed photo-shoot and their regular bi-monthly Farmers’ Market.

Shane Ranasinghe, Landlord of The Railway Pub on Greyhound Lane and SBBA committee member said: “Like most of the businesses in the area, we’ve been hit hard by the bridge closure. It’s been a really tough few months but we’re determined to turn things around with the launch of this new campaign for the area.

“Our local shops have everything you need for Mother’s Day and our ‘Mother of All Weekenders’ here at The Railway is a great opportunity to come and be part of the community and to support the campaign.

“Among the many things happening over the weekend, Mums will not want to miss out on the free Mother’s Day themed photo booth on Saturday afternoon, for a family photo shoot like no other!”

Famous for working with the likes of X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing, Photobooth Out of Order will be bringing a Mother’s Day themed set to The Railway on March 9th. Mums and children of all ages will be invited to pose for a unique and memorable family photo, courtesy of Lane & Vale. At the same time, Flaming Nora will be running ‘I blooming love my mum’, a free workshop where people of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to learn how to make beautiful hand crafted posies of paper flowers, a perfect gift for Mums.

Local MP, Chuka Umunna is supporting the campaign and said: “If anybody is looking for a great place to get a Mother’s Day gift or meal I would highly recommend a trip to Streatham Vale and Greyhound Lane. The businesses there are fantastic and this is a great opportunity for the community to get behind them in support.”

In addition to the Mother’s Day promotion, the Lane & Vale campaign is encouraging people in the community to ‘swap their shop for local’ by thinking about which items they can buy from local shops.

Anthony Ellis, chair of the SBBA explains: “People may not feel they can buy their whole weekly shop from the local grocers, but in the spirit of preserving our neighbourhood, we’re asking people to think about what they can buy – perhaps a newspaper, fruit and veg, or a loaf of bread. It all makes a difference.”

Talking about the campaign, he goes on to say: “Most people just don’t realise how badly local businesses have been affected by the bridge closure, most are barely scraping by and some are on the brink of closing – it has decimated the local economy.

“Through this campaign, we’re working to change that, by highlighting the fantastic range of goods and services available right on our doorstep.

“We have big plans coming up, including a street carnival and more markets in the area. We want to regenerate this somewhat neglected part of Streatham and turn it into an area we can be even more proud of. Watch this space for exciting things ahead.”

For full details on the campaign and Mother’s Day promotion, visit www.laneandvale.org.uk.

Based on information supplied by Pauline Milligan.