High street retailers and department stores, including book shops, electronics retailers and shops selling clothes, shoes and toys have reopened, and will be allowed to trade provided they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines set out by the government.

Retailers should display a notice visibly in their shop windows or outside their store to show their employees, customers and other visitors that they have followed this guidance.

The council has installed signage and floor vinyls across the town centre and at neighbourhood parades to remind visitors to:

• Follow social distancing guidelines
• Pay by contactless where possible
• Follow directional signage
• Wear face coverings when social distancing isn’t possible
• Be considerate and give way where paths are narrow

Retailers will be responsible for their own signage and queuing systems within and outside their shops. To control the spread of infection, it is vital for businesses to follow strict social distancing and hygiene measures.

We will continue to assess how the government’s policies impact upon local business.

A number of supermarkets have set up dedicated shopping times for vulnerable and elderly customers and NHS staff. Many also have measures in place to support social distancing.