Leader urges all to stay alert ahead of welcomed reopening of shops
THURROCK Council Leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill, is urging everyone to respect social distancing guidance when travelling to or visiting the high street as non-essential stores are set to reopen on Monday 15 June.
Cllr Gledhill said: “Our high streets and shopping areas are at the heart of our communities and I am pleased that residents will be able to return to their local shops to kickstart the high street back in to business as the pandemic lockdown eases.
“This is only possible following hard-won battles in our fight against the spread of coronavirus. Now it is up to all of us to continue to build on that as we behave responsibly and respect social distancing guidance when travelling to or visiting our local shops.
“We will continue to work closely with our business community and retailers who have been working hard to prepare for reopening and making the necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of shoppers and staff.”
To control the risk of infection and shop safe residents should:
follow the signage and guidance in the high streets, shopping centres and shops
keep a safe distance from one another and follow current social distancing guidelines
wash your hands the moment you get home or arrive at work
travel by bike or car and avoid public transport where possible
you must wear a mask if using public transport
Thurrock Council has been liaising with the business community and, through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, is installing additional signage in shopping areas to remind people to maintain safe distances.
To date Thurrock businesses have benefitted from nearly £60m of business rates relief, and the government has allocated more than £25million in grants to support small businesses.
