Small businesses that trade out of Stembrook Lane Shopping Arcade in the Co-Innovation Centre of Dover should not be given notice to leave during a global pandemic.

We believe that this is a grossly inappropriate time for Dover District Council, as owners of the building to be evicting traders, many of whom are already struggling financially, as months of being unable to do business have taken their toll.

We, signed here, urge Dover District Council to use the recent money it has been allocated from the government's Future High Streets Fund to delay the decision on the longer-term future of Stembook Lane. During this delay we believe the council should invest time and money into finding all the current businesses in Stembook Lane Shopping Arcade a new, permanent home in which these businesses can grow to help ensure the growth of a more vibrant Dover town centre - which is needed and with real support from the council can happen.