With the announcement that cafés and restaurants can reopen, Cullompton has really come back to life!

Cullompton has established itself as a food town with a number of quality eateries for the size of the High Street. There is an array on offer from Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, Burger, Artisan and pop-up restaurants, which makes it an ideal place to visit if you love your food. The town also has a number of pubs and cafes and even boasts a cocktail lounge! Some establishment’s offer a takeaway service and a number of eateries have signed up to the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

There is a real buzz about the town, especially when Cullompton’s award-winning Farmers’ market is in the Bullring with their friendly and knowledgeable producers.

Sarah Jones, Member of the Farmers’ Market, said:

“Following on from a successful box scheme during the COVID-19 lockdown, Cullompton Farmers’ Market is now taking place twice a month on the second and fourth Saturdays, 9.30am to 12.30pm throughout the summer. You will find a wide range of local products with an opportunity to talk to the producers about their story and maybe an opportunity to tell them yours!”

Cullompton is full of independent shops along its High Street that need your support.

Cullompton Mayor, Councillor Lloyd Knight, said:

“By shopping in our town centre, you directly support our independent, small business and put money into Cullompton’s local economy. All the shops and eateries have worked hard and adapted to be able to serve our local community and now need your backing. Cullompton retailers can give you advice and help with your requirements in a way that is not possible with on-line shopping, for example, a stall holder in the market can help advise you about their products, where they have come from and how they were made or grown. The butcher can help with cooking questions (and provide home deliveries), or the craft shop can help you pick out a present for someone. Our salons and hairdressers have now reopened safely. Cullompton shops have a real personal touch so please pop into town and support them.”

Businesses have been required to adapt their premises to meet the new COVID-19 guidance to reopen their doors.

A safety team has been assessing the activity throughout the town and a one-way system has been put in place from Station Road (Forge Way) Car Park, to the shop beside Clarks Court, returning via Higher Mill Lane.

Group Manager for Growth, Economy and Delivery, Adrian Welsh, said:

”As activities increase in the town centre, we want to ensure we continue to minimise the risk of spreading the virus as much as possible. It’s still important that all visitors adhere to Government guidance with regard to social distancing measures, wearing a face covering and by following each individual shop’s instructions to keep Cullompton Town Centre safe. Mid Devon District Council is offering visitors two hours free parking in Station Road Car Park throughout August and September to help the town centre thrive.”

Cullompton town centre is within a conservation area and the town’s rich heritage can be seen throughout the High Street. Take a walk along the tree-lined streets and look up at the historic and interesting architecture; you may be surprised by what you see. The town has a number of active groups that promote Culm Valley’s art and culture and facilitate community events, such as regular food festivals and an Artisans Fair at the Walronds. As the Government restrictions ease, the town will see more of these events take place. There is also a Heritage Trail to discover the town’s role in producing cloth and clothing, which families can do together – you can pick up a leaflet from the library.

A grant from the European Regional Development Fund has helped the town to re-open safely. Public toilets are available in Station Road, which have been adapted for single-use. When visiting Cullompton, remember to follow the signs and guidance, be patient of others and wear a mask. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms must remain at home and get tested – do not visit the town centre if you are unwell or have been in close contact with another person with symptoms.

For more information about Cullompton and the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, visit visitmiddevon.co.uk. For more information about the safety measures in place, visit the Council's Reopening your town centre - changes to how you shop news page and Coronavirus information for businesses, employers and employees information page.

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The project (either has received or is receiving up to) £73,686 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union, ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects, which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit gov.uk/european-growth-funding.