These are the new guidelines for shoppers and businesses across the Wakefield district

In the first week of a new safety-first system of high street shopping Wakefield Council has laid out its government-approved rules.
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From Monday most retail businesses have been allowed to reopen, including the district’s indoor markets.

The council has provided businesses with a downloadable guide on what they need to do to reopen safely.

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The guide includes what to do before a business can reopen, health and safety and cleaning checklists and a poster which must be displayed in all premises.

Wakefield Council leader Denise JefferyWakefield Council leader Denise Jeffery
Wakefield Council leader Denise Jeffery

Residents and visitors have seen changes around the city and town centres, including signage and markings to help them comply with social distancing guidelines.

Advice for residents and visitors:

· Signage has been installed at the entrances to the district’s highest footfall retail areas and on benches and lampposts to reinforce social distancing messages and the ground and pavements have been marked with social distancing markers.

· Street marshals will be patrolling the busy areas to keep everyone safe and reinforce social distancing measures. Please speak with them if you have any concerns – they will be wearing tabards to make them identifiable.

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· Street cleaning in the city and town centres has been increased.

· Moveable digital signs will be used across the district to communicate safety messaging and inform road users when not to visit if areas are too busy.

· Residents are reminded that public transport is available but capacity is limited so please consider if your journey is necessary. It is compulsory to wear a face covering on all public transport and taxis.

Coun Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “This is an extremely critical time as businesses start to re-open and we start to welcome people back to our city and town centres once again. We are doing everything we can to support local businesses to not only reopen safely but to recover from what has been a very challenging time and we will continue to offer support for as long as is needed.

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“We want people and businesses to be confident to return to our high streets and enjoy our wonderful, vibrant local economy and it is everyone’s responsibility to follow the social distancing guidance and to be patient and considerate of others to keep ourselves, and everyone else, safe.”

Coun Darren Byford, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for economic growth and regeneration, said: “We are extremely proud of our local economy and understand that this has been a very challenging time for businesses of all types and size.

“We have supported our businesses by making the city and town centres as safe as we possibly can for residents, and I would encourage people across the district to return to the high street and support our local economy.

“We will continue to offer extensive support to any businesses who need it and we encourage everyone to stay safe and follow social distancing guidance.”