High streets across Cheshire West and Chester are on a countdown for re-opening this week.
On Wednesday 2nd December, high streets from Neston to Northwich, Ellesmere Port to Winsford and Chester to Frodsham will be back with a positively Christmas feel and a new message.
Shoppers are being welcomed back ‘Calmly, Warmly, Carefully’ according to town hall bosses at Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Cllr Karen Shore, deputy leader of the council, said: “We are expecting a busy few weeks leading up to Christmas.
“We appreciate how tough it’s been for our high streets and understandably some shoppers can be nervous returning to shops.
“Please come back to our shops and leave yourself more time, as there may be queues.
“Being careful, by keeping two metres apart and remembering to wear face coverings and washing your hands regularly. There will be a warm welcome waiting.”
As the high streets re-open, the borough enters a new phase under Tier 2 restrictions.
Christmas lights and decorations are up across west Cheshire – including: Ellesmere Port’s lanterns, Northwich’s bridges, Chester Town Hall square Christmas Tree and the CheStar at Chester Cathedral.
The original Covid-19 banners are being replaced with a new borough-wide signage which re-enforces the ‘Calmly, Warmly, Carefully’ message.
Shoppers are still being asked to observe social distancing, cover faces when indoors and wash their hands regularly.
Meanwhile, the council has been attempting to ensure high streets are as welcoming as possible.
Pavements and street furniture will be cleaned with a high-pressure jet wash and Chester’s “big belly” bins have now all been fitted with foot pedals to reduce the need to touch surfaces.
Additional hand washing facilities are being provided in Chester city centre outside public toilets (which have remained open during the current lockdown).
As well as this, a further 3,000 floor stickers are being put in place helping to mark queuing areas outside shops and encourage social distancing.
Cllr Shore added: “There has been a lot of work with partners including Northwich and Chester BIDS and Marketing Cheshire to make sure there is a safe welcome as our high streets re-open.
“Since the summer we have had a team of Capable guardians helping businesses and the public on our high streets.”
The Capable guardians are uniformed high street information officers who have been supporting high streets across the borough with information and guidance.
Summary of Tier 2 restrictions…
- Retail can be open
- Entertainment can be open
- Personal care can be open
- Accommodation can be open
- Indoor leisure (eg: gyms and swimming) can be open
- Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. Last orders 10pm and must close by 11pm
- Travel, the number of journeys should be reduced where possible and avoid travel into Tier three areas (except where necessary for work, education, medical attention, youth services or caring responsibilities)
- Large events, live performances open to the public but with 50 per cent capacity, or 2,000 outdoors / 1,000 indoors (whichever is lower). Social contact limits apply
Cheshire West and Chester Council was awarded £305,395 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the Re-opening High Streets Safely Fund.
