Daventry is back in business as more shops re-open

Organisations have been working together to ensure the town centre and other shopping areas in the district are safe places to visit.

‘Non-essential’ shops, such as those selling clothes, accessories or electrical items, began to re-open on Monday as the Government eased some lockdown measures.

Partners including the Daventry Retail Forum, Daventry Town Council (DTC), Daventry District Council (DDC), and local businesses want shoppers to have confidence in returning to the town centre, and have put in place a range of measures to help retailers operate safely and in line with social distancing guidance.

New signage around the town centre will remind people to be kind and considerate of other shoppers and to maintain the required two-metre distance when out and about.

A range of advice to help different businesses reopen safely has been published at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/reopening-business

Officers from DTC and DDC have surveyed the town to identify any pinch points where social distancing might be difficult, and to help manage any queuing arrangements which may be necessary.

The town council’s Community Ranger will help give shoppers a friendly reminder of the social distancing guidelines if needed, as well as assisting businesses to manage queues where needed.

The arrangements will also help prepare for the reopening of other businesses such as restaurants, bars, hairdressers and nail salons, which will open no earlier than July 4 .

Councillor Lynne Taylor, Mayor of Daventry, said: “A lot of work has been carried out to ensure that our town centre is as safe as possible for shoppers. We have already reopened the market safely and successfully, and people should have confidence to return to the other retailers.”

Councillor Richard Auger, leader of Daventry District Council, said: “Independent retailers are the lifeblood of our local economy and this is an important step toward getting many of them back on their feet.

“While these additional freedoms are welcomed, I urge people visiting shopping areas to do their bit by being considerate to others, and by obeying the social distancing measures that are in place for everyone’s protection.”

Lorna White, co-ordinator for the Daventry Retail Forum, said: “Daventry people are deciding what kind of life they want for themselves and their families – a fully digital life or one that includes social interaction and the pleasure of a friendly local shopping and dining experience.

“Independent shops offer the convenience of having an item immediately, together with any specialist advice or on-going support. Shopping locally in independent stores also means that the money stays local, supporting the local economy.”