SHOPPERS in Petersfield are being urged to help with a ‘Close the Door’ campaign.

Members of Petersfield Community Energy (PCE) have been visiting shops and businesses in the town to convince them to join the national initiative.

Julie Yardley, Liz Bisset, Amanda Greenlee and Ingrid Martin have targeted Rams Walk, High Street, Pages Court, The Square, Chapel Street, Lavant Street, The Lanes and Dragon Street.

The Post is one of the many businesses now displaying a ‘Close the Door’ sticker in support.

“The idea is that shops in town should close their doors in cold weather when the heating is on, or in hot weather when the air conditioning is on,” explained Liz, who is also an environment ambassador for Petersfield’s Women’s Institutes.

“This will save energy which is good for the environment and which will, in turn, save money for owners and therefore customers too.

“It also cuts down on traffic noise and pollution and makes a more comfortable environment temperature-wise for staff and customers.”

The PCE group is now asking shoppers to take part, by congratulating the shops which close the door and question those which do not.

They have been delighted to see many were already taking a sensible approach and are now displaying stickers.

“Unfortunately, a few companies, some of which are part of large chains, are not prepared to join. Their head offices have been contacted and it is hoped that in the future they can be persuaded to join,” added Liz.

“Closing the door seems a no-brainer really but there is a myth that a closed door means customers won’t come in.

“One way to overcome this is to make Petersfield a ‘Close the Door’ town so shoppers know why the doors are closed and in fact expect to see the door closed.”

Shops and businesses wishing to join ‘Close the Door’ should e-mail [email protected]. Also visit www.petersfieldcommunityenergy.com