Shops set to re-open this Monday

MP urges people to shop safely and support local traders

SHOP owners in the borough are gearing up to reopen on Monday next week.

New safety measures in public areas will include pavement signage, banners, hand sanitiser stations, and stewards to help and advise shoppers.

Guidance will also be available for shops to keep ‘Covid-compliant.’

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council is working with Hinckley BID to get businesses ready to relaunch.

The Government has said that non-essential retail and shops can reopen from June 15.

In Hinckley town centre various methods are being employed to help people stay socially distant while they shop. Floor markings have been stencilled outside shops to mark safe queuing areas and in Hinckley, ‘high Street helper’ stewards will be on hand daily to help people and monitor the situation. Hand sanitising stations are freely available for public use.

The pavement area along Station Road between Castle Street and The Crescent - will be temporarily widened into the short stay parking bays in order to make sure there is sufficient pavement width for people to socially distance safely from queuing shoppers and other pedestrians without having to step out onto the road.

Station Road public toilets are set to reopen from Monday.

In line with current government guidance, only two people will be permitted inside at a time and the facility will be deep cleaned every 30 minutes. The council has also invested in new infection control friendly features including sensor activated taps to reduce contact points.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Leader Stuart Bray 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 while doing so for the sake of everyone’s safety and peace of mind.

“Redesigning the town centre into a covid-19 secure shopping area at time when rules are constantly changing has been a challenge for us all, but we must continue to adapt and be flexible in order 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.”

Bosworth MP Dr Luke Evans encouraged shoppers to support local traders as they reopen.

He said: “Public health has always been, and continues to be, the number one priority for the Government during this Coronavirus outbreak; but I’m sure everyone is eager to see our economy open as soon as it is safe to do so.