Shops and High Streets to safely re-open

 

Following the Government’s recent announcement allowing non-essential retailers to open their doors again from Monday 15th June, East Staffordshire Borough Council are working with local businesses and partners to make town centres safer for shoppers.

The Council will be installing a range of measures to ensure that local residents and retailers can use key shopping areas safely, including:

• Installing signage in key town centre locations and car parks to remind visitors of the Government’s guidance.
• Creating one way pedestrian access on some pavements and walkways to enable businesses to put in safe two-metre queuing systems.
• Undertaking additional cleaning of benches and bus shelters.
• Publishing a range of materials to remind visitors of how to remain safe.
• Working with and offering support to local businesses to ensure they operate safely.

The Council has consulted and worked with a range of key stakeholders including Staffordshire County Council, Police, Shopping Centres, bus companies and Town and Parish Councils, to consider the measures required to facilitate a safe shopping environment.

Councillor Sue McGarry, Cabinet Support Member, said:

“It will be great to see people starting to return to our town centres but we will need everyone’s patience and cooperation to make it work.

“Please familiarise yourself with the changes before your visit, remember to stay two metres apart from fellow shoppers, keep sanitising your hands, and stay at home if you or any of your household have any symptoms of coronavirus.”

Helen Fisher, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Transport and Highways, said:

“We’re working with East Staffordshire Borough Council to help where we can and we’ve been out on the streets to look at where pedestrians and shoppers queuing might come together.

“New arrangements are being considered where needed and it’s up to us all to make this work by following the spirit of social distancing.

“If we’re polite, patient and use common sense we can work together to help our High Street businesses and keep infection rates down.”

Any businesses thinking of opening on the 15th June, or those essential retailers who are already open, can find the latest Government updates by visiting: www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

For more specific details and maps about the local measures being put in place, please visit the Council’s website: www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/coronavirus/safe-town-centres