From Monday 15 June non-essential shops are able to reopen their doors, provided they follow the ‘Covid-19 Secure’ guidelines set out by the Government. Shoppers are being reminded to stay safe and respect social distancing when enjoying Penrith’s reopened high street shops.
The message comes from the Penrith Town Marketing group, which has joint representation from Eden District Council, Cumbria County Council, Penrith County Council, Penrith Chamber of Trade and Commerce, and Penrith’s town centre and industrial estates BIDs.
The group has been working on the town’s reopening plan; looking at signage to provide guidance on social distancing, promoting the town’s reopening and ensuring that retailers have ready access to Government guidance on how to reopen safely.
Eden District Council is also lending a helping hand to local businesses, with shoppers able to take advantage of free parking in council-owned car parks across the district until the end of the month.
Cllr. Doug Lawson, Mayor of Penrith, said: “Penrith Town Council has been working hard with the other organisations in the town to help facilitate the reopening of businesses on 15th June.
“We still face challenges, but as you can appreciate things are moving really quickly. Our priority is welcoming our residents back into the town centre, respecting social distancing is important to help everyone stay safe. There will be signage reminding people about this and shops will have their own procedures that you will also be asked to respect.
“We look forward to welcoming you back to our town and encourage you all to shop local.”
Cllr. Mary Robinson, Deputy Leader and Commercial Services Portfolio Holder for Eden District Council said: “The Government’s announcement allows our much loved town centres to commence trading again by opening their doors to the public.
“A number of businesses throughout the pandemic have either enhanced their online offer, started a delivery service or made other adaptions to ensure they could serve their loyal customers.
“The Government’s announcement now means that our town centres are able to welcome back customers who would normally access the shops and services in person, albeit with additional safety measures in places.”
Retailers must take steps to protect customers and staff, which may include limiting the number of people allowed inside at one time, using protective screens, and frequently checking and cleaning objects and surfaces. Measures will undoubtedly vary between each individual shop.
Businesses should only reopen once they have completed a risk assessment and are confident they are managing the risks. Business owners are also encouraged to display their ‘COVID-19 Secure’ self-assessment certificate in their shop window to show that they have followed this guidance.
Sam Morris, Director of Penrith Business Parks BID, said: “Businesses across Penrith Business Parks are looking forward to welcoming customers back into our shops and showrooms over the coming weeks.
“Over the last few months we’ve all been faced with challenges that none of us could have predicted, and as we take the next steps on the road to recovery it has been a genuine pleasure to see the level of support for businesses from the local community.
“By continuing to stay safe and respecting social distancing as the town reopens we can all continue to make Penrith a great place to work, shop and do business.”
Stephen Macaulay, President of Penrith Chamber of Trade added: “Penrith Chamber of Trade & Commerce welcomes you back to business. We will continue to do whatever we can to support you. Please do get in contact if you need assistance at any time.”
Cllr David Whipp, Chairman of Cumbria County Council, Eden Local Committee, said: “Cumbria County Council’s Eden Local Committee is proud to be part of the multi-agency plans to re-open Penrith, doing all that it can to make the High Street a safe place for residents and businesses.“
Penrith shoppers can visit http://www.penrithchamberoftrade.org.uk/coronavirus-update/ to find out which shops and businesses are trading, and how they will be serving their customers.
The Penrith Town Marketing group is also keen to hear from residents and businesses about any challenges or what is working well when the town centre reopens.
Businesses can share their comments by emailing [email protected].
Residents can share their comments by emailing [email protected].
Businesses on Penrith’s Industrial estates can email [email protected].
Businesses with health and safety queries can contact Eden District Council’s Environmental Health team at [email protected]. Residents with concerns over town centre business safety can also contact the team using these details.