by Sam Hawcroft
A pet treats business that started out in one of Withernsea’s new seafront kiosks is already moving on to bigger premises – in what the town council says is an early success story for the scheme.
Chewtopia Natural Treats, run by Sarah Chisholm, is leaving its Valley Gardens kiosk and is set to move into the former Coral betting shop premises.
The move means one of the six blue Coastal Market kiosks is now becoming available, with Withernsea Town Council inviting fresh expressions of interest from traders who want to take on the unit.
The council says Chewtopia’s expansion is exactly the kind of progress the kiosks were designed to support – giving small businesses and start-ups an affordable first step before they grow into larger premises.
Town clerk Carole Brattan said: “She’s moving into bigger premises, which to us is a success story.
“It’s the kiosk doing what it set out to do – attracting new entrants, start-up businesses and things like that.
“She’s done really well out of that, to be able to move into bigger premises, and the need is obviously there because people have been going to the Gardens.”
Chewtopia was among the first businesses to open in the Coastal Market when the kiosks launched in Valley Gardens in June.
Sarah previously told the Gazette that the kiosk had given her a more manageable base after the physical demands of running a market stall became difficult because she has fibromyalgia and is also a carer for her father.
Her business sells natural dog treats, pet food, beds and other pet products.
The Coastal Market consists of six microbusiness kiosks in Valley Gardens, aimed at bringing more life to the seafront while supporting new traders, start-ups and artisan businesses.
The other five businesses operating from the kiosks are Whitehall Estate Tea Rooms, Withernsea Tots and Tides, Sixth Gear, Slate Whilst You Wait and Sweet Escapes.
The council has now issued a call for new expressions of interest, describing the vacant kiosk as an affordable chance for a start-up, a business looking to take the next step or someone with a fresh idea for Withernsea.
Forms are available from Withernsea Town Council’s office at the Meridian Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 11am to 3pm, and can also be downloaded from the council website.
The closing date is noon on Monday, November 2, with applications due to go before the council on Monday, November 9.
Mrs Brattan said the kiosks had seen a decent first summer, despite delays that meant they opened later than originally hoped.
As Withernsea moves into the quieter winter months, some traders have reduced their hours, with most expected to open mainly at weekends.
The council has asked traders for their updated opening times and is looking at ways to make them clearer to residents and visitors.
Mrs Brattan said the council was aware that some people had walked down to Valley Gardens not knowing which kiosks were open, or when they were next due to trade.
She said signage was being explored, but there were limits on what could be done. Permanent signs cannot simply be drilled into the kiosks, and the surrounding land is owned by East Riding Council, which restricts the use of boards and other street furniture.
However, banners and posters could be used in suitable locations, including on railings or on the approach to the kiosk area.
Mrs Brattan said: “We’ve asked them for their updated times now we’ve gone into the winter months. Most of them tend to be the weekends, Friday to Sunday.
“We’ll get that information out there so people do know when they’re open.”
She added that traders also had a part to play in promoting their own businesses.
She said: “They are all independent businesses. We can put the information out there, but they need to be self-promoting as well.”
Mrs Brattan said Cllr Jon Dimberline and mayor Cllr Kristina Richardson had been among those working behind the scenes to encourage new uses for empty high street properties.
She said: “The high street without the shops being full is not good for the town.”
