Shops across Leicestershire re-open

High streets in Leicestershire 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 re-open 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 sanitiser 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."

Coalville Market will also be re-opening from Monday 15th June with social distancing measures in place. The public town centre toilets in Coalville and Ashby will also be re-opened on Mondays to Saturdays with charges removed to reduce hand contact and need to use coins at the entrances.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “Revitalising the local economy in North West Leicestershire and bringing people back into safe town centres is an essential part of our recovery.

“We’ve been supporting businesses throughout this pandemic, with £18m of grants distributed so far, but now it’s time to prepare for a return to a new normality where customers can be welcomed back safely.

“Our preparations are robust and balance the need for a safe environment with a system that is still welcoming to shoppers wanting to support local businesses. These businesses need us all now more than ever as we look to rebuild and ensure long-term prosperity for our entire district.

“I also want to thank businesses, Ashby de la Zouch Town council, and parish councils for their support in the coming weeks as we go through this revitalisation process. We’re working hard to provide all the tools and resources needed across the district but the work being done at a local level to implement these plans is invaluable.”