ACTION is needed now to save Rayleigh High Street and help it bounce back from the blow of Covid-19, a councillor has said.

James Newport, who represents the Downhall and Rawreth ward, believes Rochford Council needs to take “quick and decisive action” in investing in the high street after the UK lockdown.

It comes after a host of businesses shut their doors and closed in recent months, including ASK Italian in Rayleigh High Street as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Questioning whether Rayleigh will be able to recover, Mr Newport says the hospitality sector is likely to have been hit the hardest after facing some of the longest closures in this time and has urged the council be more pro-active in promoting the town’s high street - before it is too late.

But Rochford Council says Cafe-Tiere and JJ Whispers – which also shut their doors - both have been replaced with new businesses – Cookies and Cones and Oyster Wharf.

A new butcher, called Kings of Meat, has also opened in the former Byfords shop.

Mr Newport said: “In the space of a few months, fortunes have changed for many and it could be about to get a whole lot worse.

“I’ve been saying for some time that our councils need to more proactive in helping and promoting our high street before it’s too late.

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen several of Rayleigh’s retailers close. Is this purely a coincidence or are they truly a victim of the Covid-19 lockdown?

“Cafe Tierre has closed, just months after their new business Greenies closed, JJ Whispers shut and now ASK Italian has confirmed that they will not be reopening.

“The reality is, high streets are on the decline. Everyone knows that online shopping is growing at pace and the battlefield for bricks and mortar is greater than ever before.”

Mr Newport hopes to see a survey carried out to find out what struggles and challenges businesses face.

He added: “This kind of help, with a number of industry experts’ ideas, needs quick and decisive action before it is far too late.”

But Tory councillor Ian Ward believes Rayleigh still has one of the most vibrant high streets, adding: “We have so much to offer, including the largest Marks & Spencer food hall in the country and will be doing whatever we can to help our businesses and attract more to the area. One of the things we are discussing already is how we are going to tackle this issue.

“That being said, there’s lots of commercial interest in regards to the larger chains, Pizza Express is still going strong. We are fortunate to have such a successful high street compared to others which are really suffering.”