From Monday [June 15] non-essential shops are allowed to open their doors for the first time since lockdown began.
To prepare, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has announced an ‘action plan’ to ensure shoppers remain safe in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Among the measures to be introduced include posters, street signs and social media posts to remind people to maintain social distancing, high street support officers to provide information and guidance to shoppers, and additional street cleaning as well as an increase in the use of CCTV to monitor queues.
Tonbridge High Street and village centres such as Borough Green and West Malling are expected to see the highest increase in footfall as up to 600 stores open their doors for the first time in more than two months.
The re-opening of high streets coincides with new rules requiring all public transport passengers to wear face coverings.
Shoppers and commuters are being urged to avoid public transport where possible, and Kent County Council has announced plans to invest in schemes to help make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists, which include a 20mph speed limit for most built up areas in Tonbridge.
In a message to residents, Council leader Nicolas Heslop emphasised that despite low coronavirus infection rates in the borough, the risk ‘remained real’.
He said: “While things will be different and social distancing the new norm, shopping locally and safely is the best way we can support local businesses and breathe life back into our local economy.
“If everyone works collaboratively and acts responsibly, I’m confident we can continue to make progress and navigate the road to recovery. By working together and observing the rules, we can make our towns and villages safe and welcoming spaces once again.”
