The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Stores planning to re-open
John Lews, Subway and Planet Ice all look at new guidelines
John Lewis has said it is preparing to re-open all of its stores, including its one in Queensgate in Peterborough.
The announcement comes after Boris Johnson said nonessential retail shops could open again on June 15 after being forced to close due to the coronavirus lockdown.
An opening date for the Queensgate store has not been confirmed yet, a John Lewis spokesperson told the Peterborough Telegraph.
John Lewis said this afternoon: “We have been preparing to re-open our John Lewis stores, informed by what we have learnt from the social distancing measures the partnership has taken in Waitrose.
“Our plan sees us open our shops on a phased basis to enable us to test the changes we are introducing and ensure the best and safest customer and partner experience.
“The safety of our customers and partners will govern everything we do and we are prepared to readjust our plan and make changes as we go to make sure we get it absolutely right and continue adhering to evolving Government guidelines.”
Subway has re-opened its store at Bretton Court.
The sandwich chain has been re-opening a number of its outlets across the UK and Ireland for delivery, mobile order through the Subcard® app and takeaway.
And subscribers to the app have received a notification today that they can now order from the store in Bretton.
Subway said it has introduced “new operational and social distancing safety measures... to ensure the continued protection of guests, third party delivery and supplier drivers, Sandwich Artists™ and the wider communities in which they serve”.
It added: “The measures include new directional signage to support social distancing, enhanced hygiene practices and the supply of PPE to protect Sandwich Artists, guests and delivery drivers. Stores will also open with a reduced menu, operating with a selected menu of favourites, with the full menu being introduced as and when we can.”
Meanwhile Peterborough’s ice rink could re-open in July, it has been announced.
Planet Ice, which runs the rink, along with a number of others across the country, said they were working on a potential opening date of July6 for public skating. The rink has been closed during the COVID-19 lockdown. A spokesman said: “Planet Ice looks forward to welcoming all of our customers back as soon as it is safe to do so and we would like to share our plans for reopening the rinks once current restrictions allow. Currently we are working on a provisional date of Monday 6th July 2020 based on the provisional date of Saturday 4th July detailed in the UK Governments COVID-19 Recovery Strategy.
“Protecting the safety and wellbeing of all our skaters, parents, and staff members is our top priority in these difficult times. Please feel assured that we will be working diligently to make sure our rinks are as safe as possible for your return. However, due to the ongoing issues surrounding COVID-19 there will be a number of new procedures put into place so that we can do our very best to negate the spread of the virus.
“Whilst there are several unknowns, Planet Ice are currently using the UK Active COVID-19 framework for the re-opening of gym, leisure centres and wider fitness industry during social distancing as the basis of our plans for reopening.”