Non-essential shops in the town have been allowed to reopen their doors for the first time since lockdown began on March 23.
To mark the occasion, Tonbridge town crier John Scholey was on hand to welcome visitors and to remind public about social distancing and other measures to keep them safe while shopping.
Among the new Covid measures, ‘High Street support teams’ are present, monitoring queues and providing advice and reassurance to shoppers, while posters, additional use of CCTV, and street signs are being used to ensure the High Street remains safe for shoppers.
PCSOs are also visible in the town, assisting shoppers and ensuring people are adhering to the social distancing guidelines.
The reopening of the High Street comes after the Government eased lockdown measures and allowed non-essential shops to open from today [June 15].
Not all businesses have been allowed to reopen, however. Hairdressers, gyms, pubs, bars and restaurants will remain closed for at least the next two weeks, while a number of high street chains are also conducting phased re-openings.
Local bus and train operators have also increased their services from today, but the Government has advised people to avoid public transport where possible – it is also now mandatory to wear a face mask when travelling on a bus or train.
