Shoppers and businesses both urged to prepare for re-opening

As non-essential retail looks set to recommence later this month, businesses are being urged to make sure they are ready to open in a Covid-secure way.

Tendring District Council (TDC) will install signs across town centres to remind shoppers about social distancing guidelines, while businesses are being reminded that they have a responsibility to ensure staff and public safety in their stores, and to manage queues effectively.

Mary Newton, TDC Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Growth, encouraged traders to check up on the rules and make sure they were ready.

“There is a lot of useful advice available from the Government on practical measures retailers can put in place, and I would urge business owners to read about and implement them,” Cllr Newton said.

“It’s also vital that you work with your neighbours so that your plans can be co-ordinated with theirs, such as putting queues along your shop front or one-way systems.

“We want to see Tendring get back to business, but only when stores have appropriate measures in place – do not feel pressured to open your doors if you are not ready to do so.”

Shoppers are also being reminded that as town centres re-open for more than essential services, the way we use high streets will change.

People may well have to queue outside as limited numbers of shoppers can enter at any time, with parts of pavements blocked off to allow social distance queuing.

Shoppers should check before they travel that the outlets they want to visit are open, and also whether facilities such as public toilets are available. When parking, motorists are advised to use pay by phone or MiPermit options where possible, to reduce contact with parking machines.

Face coverings are encouraged, you should also regularly wash or sanitise your hands and always maintain social distancing.

Lynda McWilliams, TDC Cabinet Member for Partnerships, said shoppers should be physically and mentally prepared when they return to town centres.

“How we shop and use town centres will be radically different, certainly while we still have some lockdown measures,” Cllr McWilliams said.

“Please remember you may have to wait outside outlets so be prepared for the weather, and what may previously have been a five-minute dash into a store may be considerably longer now.

“We’d also ask people to follow government guidance on face coverings, regular hand washing, and staying apart. Avoid crowded places, and follow instructions for queues and the like – following these rules will help keep us safe.

“TDC is continuing to look at what other measures may be needed and will monitor the situation across our town centres.”

For more information for businesses and shoppers visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/coronavirus

Money for signage and other measures implemented by TDC comes from the Government’s Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, which in turn is from the European Regional Development Fund.

3/6/2020

NEWSDESKS

For more information on this news release contact Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager Will Lodge on 01255 686338.