With the decision about the Rye BID due to be announced on Friday 13 January, it’s time for the town to pull together no matter what the outcome is, says Barbara Astley-Morton, who owns Treasures of Rye on Lion Street.
As a new small business owner in the centre of Rye, I have been saddened to read and hear about how the row over the BID has caused so much toxicity in our town. There have been harsh words and accusations – the time has come to be more Swiss.
It is clear that Rye needs a boost, a little something to help the town along in the right
direction. Is the BID the answer? Maybe, maybe not.
We’re not just talking about footfall necessarily, we’re talking basic amenities, toilets,
parking, litter, etc. Facilities that would benefit the whole community.
Addressing the bad feeling, businesses should now be looking to help and support each
other, regardless of their views on the BID. Yes, some are opposed to it, including me, but that does not mean we can run around bad-mouthing and boycotting those businesses who are not in agreement with ours.
Likewise, those in favour, need to remember that each business is entitled to their own opinion.
It’s called being Swiss.
Whether the BID is successful or not, the ongoing improvement and continued promotion of Rye as a top tourist spot should be nurtured and actively aided in a community-spirited fashion. That means bolstering each other up, not knocking each other down – that equates to being more Swiss.
Swiss neutrality is renowned, unique, and unrivalled, and we, the businesses in Rye, could learn from it in the aftermath of the BID.
It’s ok to not agree with your neighbour, but it’s not ok to put them down!
Rye is also renowned, unique, and unrivalled, and, if the BID is successful, we have a great
opportunity to do great things. Businesses, whether they voted yes or no to the BID, need to be part of this; after all, it is us business owners who will be financing the BID. Businesses need to put differences aside, join forces, and be more Swiss.
Should the BID not be voted in, those future goals for the town, that will help businesses, locals, and visitors, still need to be addressed, and implemented, alternative funding will be required and this town’s best asset will be for everyone to work together as one community.
Rye has the chance to shine brighter, regardless of the outcome of BID, so businesses need now to unite, not fight, and work together to make Rye more radiant.
The result of the BID will be known on Friday 13 February 2026, so starting now let’s be
kinder to each other, big each other up, and show some love. Each and every business in Rye is worth it. This fabulous little town of ours needs and deserves it. Rye does not deserve to be divided with bad vibes.
Let’s be more Swiss.
Image Credits: Suhail Aslam/Medium https://medium.com/@aslamsuhail/exploring-the-enchanting-beauty-of-switzerland-a-journey-through-timeless-landscapes-975cc6b196ff CC https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/.