The public are being urged to take extra care when visiting
high streets and town centres to avoid a second spike in
coronavirus infection, as councils prepare for the easing of
lockdown restrictions.
Around the country councils are putting in place measures
to make high streets clean, safe and secure, but are asking the
public to play their part by respecting social distancing
measures.
It comes as non-essential shops and businesses will be able
to re-open their doors on Monday (15 June).
The District Councils’ Network, which represents councils
planning the safe reopening of town centres, wants the public to
be reassured that safety measures will be in place for them to
follow.
The Government recently announced £20 million for district
councils to lead the local effort to safeguarding high streets
following the pandemic, and councils are urging the public to
follow safety guidance.
To make visits to town centres and high streets safe,
councils are:-
• Helping marshal movements with floor markings and
signage
• Carrying out more frequent street cleaning,
providing hand-sanitiser posts, adapting public seating and
conveniences
• Creating more pedestrianised spaces and
streets
• Adapting indoor and outdoor market spaces to allow
traders trading safely
• Deploying council staff or volunteers to provide
help and advice
Looking ahead councils are also putting in place plans to
invest in the revitalisation of town centres of the future,
including reshaping a mixed offer of retail, culture,
entertainment and housing.
As local leaders of their places and economies, councils
are calling on the Government to bring forward investments set
out in the Towns Funding and Future High Streets Fund.
The plans form part of DCN’s new report Power in Place
which outlines district councils’ five-point manifesto for the
recovery.
Cllr Mark Crane, DCN lead member for stronger economies,
said:
“As the country begins to ease lockdown restrictions, it is
absolutely essential that we all continue to exercise maximum
care and caution, so as to prevent a second spike in
infection.
“District councils, as the authorities responsible for high
streets and town centres, will be doing all they can to make
public spaces as safe and secure as possible.
“We will be delighted to see visitors return to our high
streets, which we’re working hard to reshape so that shops and
businesses get the boost they desperately need, but without
compromising public health.
“But we need members of the public to respect these
efforts, and take extra care when visiting their local high
streets and town centres during this challenging period.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
Link to Power in Place: a 5 point manifesto for
recovery: https://districtcouncils.info/influencing/power-in-place-district-councils-five-point-manifesto-for-recovery/
