Wirral is set to receive approximately £286,000 from the government's Reopening High Streets Safely Fund and plans are being drawn up to establish where to use the money most effectively.
The council says that it has been working to establish a robust approach to the coronavirus pandemic by securing a strong local economy and, as the restrictions on lockdown have begun to ease, it is vital the town centres and public spaces are welcoming, safe and support a thriving retail sector.
Alan Evans, Wirral Council Director of Place & Regeneration, said: “As we plan to open up our high streets and town centres in the coming weeks, our absolute priority is to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors and the businesses which operate there.
“To support this, we are moving at pace to identify practical solutions to how we can encourage people back into our town centres, while maintaining social distancing practices which still allow for an enjoyable visitor experience.”
The council is considering a number of measures including a deep clean of Birkenhead town centre including the market, signs to promote social distancing such as markers on the floor and the application of event management principles to help manage a smooth flow of people, helping to avoid pinch-points and congestion.
At the same time, the local authority has also created an online “toolkit” for businesses in retail and commercial areas which will help them to operate safely and to implement new ways of working to meet social distancing requirements in their premises, for their colleagues as well as their customers.
The toolkit, which is online now, was developed with the expertise of Wirral Council’s Environmental Health team to provide step-by-step guidance for any business planning to re-open within Wirral.
The council is continuing to encourage the use of contactless payments and to promote the message “to shop local”, which not only helps to underpin safety through social distancing but will also support the local economy to gain ground after a challenging three-month closure period.
It is also considering longer-term options such as the use of roads and their potential to be reallocated for pedestrians and linking into proposals for transport projects which will enable more walking and cycle route schemes.
“We are still in uncertain times and our “new normal” is bringing changes to the way we socialise, work and shop,” said Alan Evans.
“While we want to encourage people back into our high streets, we must reiterate the importance of social distancing, staying 2m apart, particularly in tight retail spaces and when walking along narrow pavements.”
He added: “Of course, everyone is looking forward to the reopening of our town centres. It’s a positive step forward and we will do all that we can to ensure that we welcome people back in the most secure and beneficial way.”
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