Shoppers returning to South Lakeland’s high streets from next week are being urged to stay safe so everyone can enjoy their visit.
The Government has announced that more businesses and high street shops can begin to reopen from next Monday, 15 June.
Anyone visiting town centres in South Lakeland from Monday 15th June will notice that the high street will start to look and feel different, with signage advising people to observe social distancing and individual shops introducing arrangements for customers and staff in accordance with the Government’s ‘Covid secure’ guidance.
Councillor Robin Ashcroft, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “We want to welcome people back to our town centres and to support the businesses that will be reopening, but we must ensure that this is done safely.
“Measures will be rolled out in all our town centres over the coming weeks, including the principal centres of Kendal and Ulverston.
“Although 15 June is the start of these changes, the Government guidance suggests that many measures could be in place for up to a year, so it is important we become familiar with the new arrangements.
“Visual changes will include signage in busy areas, reminding people of key information and the need to maintain social distancing at all times, while there will also be hand sanitising stations being installed for the public to use and signage directing to available public toilet facilities.
“On narrow streets a directional system for pedestrians could be used, with markings and visuals to assist the public.
“Guidance has been given to businesses to support them to operate safely, including ways to manage safe queuing outside stores, while the public messaging encourages people to use contactless payment wherever possible to minimise the risk of virus transmission.’’
SLDC’s street cleansing teams will be carrying out enhanced cleaning in the principal centres, with public benches available for use but only with social distancing rules being followed.
In areas where pedestrian access has been widened, barriers may be in place with supporting signage while lamppost banners around the town centres will reinforce the key safety messaging and pick-up leaflets have been produced advising people about the guidance.
SLDC-operated car parks in all towns will be re-opened from 15 June and normal charges will apply.
NHS staff, care workers and NHS volunteer responders involved in Coronavirus response activities will be able to obtain a key worker parking pass from their employer under the Government guidance, which will allow them to continue to park for free on all SLDC-operated car parks.
Latest Government guidance on visiting retail premises states:
- Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
- Everyone needs to assess and manage the risks of COVID-19
- You must only visit shops with people you live with
- Maintain two metre social distancing at all times wherever possible
- The public are advised to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces where social distancing isn’t possible
- If possible, use hand sanitiser or handwashing facilities when entering premises (to reduce the risk of transmission by touching products while browsing)
- Keep contact to a minimum and try to use contactless payments if available
- Some shops will need to consider limiting the number of customers, overall and in any particular congestion areas, for example pinch points like doorways between outside and inside spaces
- Customers are encouraged to shop alone where possible, unless they need specific assistance
The project supporting the safe reopening of high streets is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the Department for Communities and Local Government.