Extensive work to ensure the next phase for the safe reopening of Blaby Town Centre from Monday 15th June is underway by Blaby District Council.
The 15th June date will see many more retailers allowed to reopen their doors to customers for the first time since restrictions came into place. Stores are adapting to abide by government Covid-19 guidelines.
One of Blaby District Council’s priorities is to help Blaby Town Centre’s phased reopening following the coronavirus pandemic. To assist shoppers and retailers, social distancing markers will be in place to ensure that visitors stay as safe as possible whilst shopping local. An advisory one-way system will also be in place.
Shoppers will also be able to look out for friendly faces in and around the town centre, volunteering to help out during the initial reopening period.
Changes will be made to the car park machines to ensure no-one paying for parking needs to enter any registration details. Plans are also in place to bring in Pay by Phone, with more information available soon. The public toilet in the town centre will remain closed.
The Council has been working with the local businesses in the town centre and Blaby Parish Council on the reopening plans. Further consultation will take place to ensure that appropriate guidelines and measures, which are being reviewed regularly, are in place over the coming weeks.
Councillor Ben Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing Strategy, Economic Development Portfolio Holder, said: “We are excited to welcome shoppers back to Blaby Town Centre from next Monday. We have been working hard to ensure that the independent stores that can open are prepared, and our town centre is ready to follow the social distancing guidelines.”
“These measures are for everyone’s safety and to enable the town centre to reopen. Blaby District Council is confident that people will be able to stay safe and shop local, as our communities and businesses start on the road to recovery from the pandemic.”
A toolkit for other retailers and village centres in the district and support with social distancing signage will be available on the website with lots of support and can be found on Blaby District Council’s website at www.blaby.gov.uk/business-support.