A FRESH START...

A SPRING clean is well under way to get the town centre looking its best for the big reopening.

From next Monday, non-essential retailers, hairdressers and nail salons are set to start operating again. Gyms and hospitality venues that can operate outside are also set to reopen.

The big clean-up is being done by Huddersfield’s Business Improvement District team.

BIDs were launched by the government to allow firms in certain areas to group together to finance long-term projects aimed at promoting and improving town centres.

They are funded through a levy on business rate-payers, in addition to their business rates bill.

When the Huddersfield BID was established, it was said £2m would be spent on improving the town centre area. Huddersfield BID posted on their Facebook page: “An actual spring clean has begun in Huddersfield Town Centre! Did you see our BID clean team steam cleaning on Macauley Street?”

They added: “The team will be tackling numerous areas over the next 9 days to make Huddersfield shine as we reopen on 12th April.”

Hospitality venues, including pubs and restaurants, will be allowed to serve people outdoors.

Customers won’t need to order a substantial meal to buy alcoholic drinks and there won’t be a curfew.

People will also be allowed to visit their libraries and community centres, while gyms will also be reopening.

Gyms will only be allowed for people on their own or in household groups.

Most outdoor attractions and settings including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas will have the same rules after reopening next Monday.

Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households can also reopen. While funerals can continue with up to 30 mourners, the number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15.