Shops across Leicestershire and Nuneaton re-open

High streets in Leicestershire and Nuneaton will be welcoming back shoppers from today as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

From Monday 15th June non-essential shops including those selling clothes, shoes and toys can re-open. 

Indoor markets are also due to reopen under government plans.

Councils in Leicestershire have all been working with local businesses, partners and the NHS to ensure high streets are safe places for customers, traders, staff and visitors.

Various methods are being employed to help people stay safe. They include:
o    the installation of floor markings, barriers and signage to support social distancing
o    addition of hand sanitizer stations in some areas
o    staff or volunteers being present in some shopping areas in Leicestershire to assist people and monitor the situation
o    issuing of guidance to traders in some areas to help them protect customers and employees inside their premises
o    introduction of one-way systems for pedestrians and traffic
o    suspension of some parking bays to provide more pedestrian space
o    closure of some streets

Council leaders are reminding shoppers to follow the social distancing rules.

Matt Bowers, chair of the Leicestershire Market Towns Group, said: "We are all keen to return to normality and this is a very welcome step, but we know it is critical that we all maintain social distancing.
"Redesigning our town centres into a covid-19 secure shopping areas at a time when rules are constantly changing has been a challenge for us all, but we must continue to adapt and be flexible to ensure the safety and vitality of our residents and businesses. I'd urge visitors to please support our local businesses, but to do so safely by following the guidance."

Councillor Trevor Pendleton, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "As the highways authority, we're working closely with our neighbouring council colleagues to gear up in readiness for the re-opening of our market towns.
"We're doing all we can to support a safe return to shopping and trading and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.
"More widely across the county, where it's not possible to put some of the town centre measures in place, we're encouraging people to continue following the Government guidelines about staying two metres apart.
"If we all pull together and use our common sense, we can make a huge difference for those needing to get around in what remains a difficult and testing time for all."

In Hinckley town centre various methods are being used to allow people to follow social distancing measures and ‘high street helper’ stewards will be on hand daily to help people and monitor the situation. 

Station Road public toilets are also set to reopen from Monday 15th June. In line with current government guidance, the borough council says only two people will be permitted inside at a time and the facility will be deep cleaned every 30 minutes. 

In Nuneaton, the Borough Council has also implemented a number of measures designed to help maintain social distancing.

Councillor Julie Jackson, Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said: “We are delighted to be able to reopen our town centres and have worked hard at implementing measures to support businesses and ensure the safety of all visitors. We would like to reassure people that we continue to follow Government guidelines around Coronavirus and that public safety as well as that of our staff remains our utmost priority.”