The Business Secretary confirmed that shops in England selling non-essential goods will be able to reopen from 15 June.

High street retailers and department stores, including book shops, electronics retailers and shops selling clothes, shoes and toys will be allowed to open their doors again provided they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines set out by the government in May.

Retailers will also 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 is attempting to make the town safe for the return of shoppers by installing 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 that choose to open to follow strict social distancing and hygiene measures.

We will continue to assess how the government’s lockdown policies impact upon local business over the coming weeks and months, providing support where possible.

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.