Clitheroe high street traders prepare to reopen shops 'safely'

And with only days to go before non-essential shops reopen in the Ribble Valley, traders are looking forward to welcoming customers and are urging people to show support by shopping locally.

The Government has said non-essential shops can reopen from Monday, June 15th, but shopkeepers will have to demonstrate that their premises are "Covid-secure".

National guidance has been published to help businesses implement safe ways of working, including undertaking a COVID-19 risk assessment.

Ribble Valley Borough Council leader, Stephen Atkinson, said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on our retailers and it is imperative that they have the opportunity to get back to business. But it must be done in a way that ensures retailers, their customers, pedestrians and road-users remain safe. We are delighted that we are going to be able to reopen our high streets in the coming weeks and are contacting retailers to understand the best way to implement the necessary safety measures.”

In preparation for reopening, retailers have been working on plans to enable social distancing and reduce the chances of coronavirus transmission via items for sale in their stores.

Ian Sowerbutts, who runs H. M. Sowerbutts & Co Ltd, in King Street, explained: "As shops re-open in Clitheroe, we look forward to welcoming back old and new customers, but with restrictions due to COVID-19, shopping will be a different experience going forward. We a currently running an appointment system which people can book by telephoning the shop in advance and have instituted a rigorous hygiene routine with all staff wearing face protection and hand sanitiser. Two metre social distancing is being rigidly adhered to with a one way system in place throughout the store."

He added: "Many businesses will be re-opening with reduced staff and some will struggle to get re-stocked as manufacturers attempt to catch up on their back log from March. I am sure customers will want to support all local businesses, but I hope they will be patient as we all adapt to the new situation. It will take a little time to for everyone to adjust, but Clitheroe will survive if people are prepared to be understanding and shop locally."

Ribble Valley Borough Council has received £53,771 from the Government’s Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, which aims to help councils prepare for the safe reopening of town centres by installing a range of safety measures, such as signage, street markings and new routes for traffic.