Measures are set out to support retail reopening in the Horsham area

More details have been revealed about the measures which will allow shoppers to safely return to Horsham District’s town centres.
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Horsham District Council said it is working with businesses and various partners to ensure that measures are in place to make high streets safe for residents, visitors and traders.

A spokesman added: “From June 15, people will be able to visit non-essential retail outlets such as clothing stores and charity shops, which can reopen if Covid-19 safety and security guidelines are met.

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“The council is putting measures in place to ensure that residents and visitors can continue to observe the Government’s guidelines to reduce the coronavirus whilst visiting high streets and other retail spaces.

Horsham town centre pictured on May 13 as lockdown easedHorsham town centre pictured on May 13 as lockdown eased
Horsham town centre pictured on May 13 as lockdown eased

“The work involves comprehensive signage for shops and directional street and pavement markings enabling shoppers to observe social distancing.”

There will also be further signage in car parks and public toilets, all aiming to guide and reassure the public.

A digital map will be produced for every town centre in the district to indicate which public toilets are open for use.

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The spokesman said: “The council is working with local task forces across the district in each market town centre to introduce bespoke safety measure schemes.

“Additional funding of £128,132 has been allocated to the council to support the re-opening of high streets and other retail spaces, while ensuring they are safe for residents and tourists to visit.”

Councillor Paul Clarke, cabinet member for local economy and parking, added: “It’s great news that more businesses can reopen on June 15, but they must do so safely for their employees and their customers.

“We welcome the additional allocation of funding that has been allocated to the Horsham District by the Government.

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“We are working with businesses and partners in the Horsham town centre and the market towns and villages on practical measures to ensure people can be confident that it’s safe to return.”

These measures form the initial phase of the safe re-opening for businesses project across Horsham District.

The council said the measures will be revised and amended accordingly and additional phases introduced in due course.

A spokesman added: “Since the start of the pandemic, the council has supported many traders in a variety of ways such as switching their distribution methods to online sales solutions, including takeaways, click and collect, and home delivery services.”

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