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 today (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.”
