The president of the CMA speaks to merchants in downtown Lunel impacted by the work

It sometimes happens that the machines make access to businesses almost impossible. Like that day, in front of the tobacconist on rue Jean-Jacques-Rousseau.

At the head of the Chamber of Trades and Crafts, Christian Poujol wanted to visit seventy of them and informed them, among other things, of the possibility of benefiting from the support provided by the Chamber of Trades and Crafts. financial aid under conditions.

He grabbed his pilgrim's staff but the journey was nothing like a journey. Because it is only within the perimeter of the heart of Lunel that Christian Poujol, the president of the Chamber of Trades and Crafts (CMA) of Hérault, spent his day on Tuesday 26 March.

More precisely in the businesses impacted by the work in the city center. A visit a little different from those – field and courtesy – that he is accustomed to making regularly throughout the department.

It must be said that the man is well placed to take the temperature right on the territory, he who grew up here, still lives there, knows Lunel like the back of his hand and has made the chimney company which carries its name since its creation in 1977.

"Our mission is to help our nationals"

"During my walks in town, my purchases, I understood the dismay of certain traders who have been living in the works since, for some , almost two years , underlines Christian Poujol. I was supposed to be in Poussan this Tuesday. I changed my schedule to be able to free up this day to go meet them."

And above all inform them of what the CMA can put in place to support them. "The chambers of trades and crafts have the mission of helping their nationals, specifies the president of the CMA. As such, they are able to generate a financial contribution so that they can get their heads above water."

A passage to committee as quickly as possible

To the extent, obligatory, that the merchant can provide a turnover, a balance sheet, a status report or other income statement, his file will be accepted for study in committee."As quickly as possible. I hope in a month maximum, wishes Christian Poujol. Because at the end of this tour, it appeared that for certain businesses in the heart of Lunel, there is an emergency. A vital emergency even."

An observation established after visiting seventy traders and craftsmen on the streets Rousseau and de la Libération, the places des Martyrs-de-la-Résistance (church) and Jean-Jaurès (Caladons), as well as the Cours Gabriel-Péri.

Probably half will ask for help

According to a first estimate, the president of the CMA projects a request for help from half of the businesses visited.

"The majority have had to adapt to this work, especially since some companies that intervene do not make their task easy. Sometimes to the point of preventing access and entry to their store, regrets and denounces Christian Poujol. They organized themselves to sell differently. Through the internet, for example. Also in delivery, continues the president. Even if most believe in the benefit of the work once it is completed, they are going through a very difficult phase. It's up to us to be at their side in this delicate moment."

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