Wakefield Council welcomes residents back into the city centre and towns

The video showcases local businesses that are excited to reopen their doors to customers once again.

Businesses across the district have been working hard to implement changes and safety measures to reopen.

The video aims to enthuse residents about the reopening of the local economy, but also emphasises the importance of making space for others, wearing a face mask in indoor public spaces and practising good hand-hygiene to reduce infection rates.

Infection rates continue to be stubbornly high in the district and the more cautious residents are the sooner the country will be able to move onto the next stage of the government roadmap and get back to normality.

The video, which was produced by Sam Teale Productions, was shared across the Council’s social media channels on Monday, April 12.

Businesses and organisations featured in the video include Sun Lane Aspire, Northern Cardinal Tattoo, Wakefield Hospice Retail, Wakefield Library, Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel, KRA:FT Barbers, The Quarry, Pure Cars, The Spiced Mango, The Clothes Hanger, D & R Flowers and Giftware, and The Little Bull.

To watch the video, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDykOUCTuFk.

In preparation for the reopening, Wakefield Council has supported businesses to reopen safely and its enforcement teams will be carrying out safety checks to ensure that businesses are Covid-secure. The council also has employed covid marshals who will keep everyone safe and reinforce social distancing rules.

Signage has been installed at the entrances of high-footfall retail areas to remind visitors to keep protecting each other and practising hands, face, space.

The council reminds residents that if they feel over-whelmed, anxious or need to step away from a busy area it has the ‘Take 5’ initiative where businesses, and other locations in the district, offer a quiet space for people, with staff trained to offer assistance. Residents can find more out by visiting: www.wakefield.gov.uk/sport-health-and-leisure/healthy-living/take-5.

Interim Corporate Director for Regeneration and Economic Growth, Clare Elliot, said: “Our Council services, shops, libraries, salons, cafés and restaurants have all been excited to reopen for customers again this April. The last few months have been difficult for many and it is important that these businesses and services have the support of residents to kick-start the local economy again. We have an incredible mix of attractive businesses across the District and we want to help those businesses by encouraging the public to start venturing out and using them, safely.

"We are sure that everyone is looking forward to seeing our towns and city centre bustling once again, but we please ask you to continue to be cautious when out and about by following the hands, face, space guidance. We thank our residents and businesses for all their hard work so far but ask them to please continue to protect each other today for a brighter tomorrow."

For more information about the Government roadmap, please visit: www.wakefield.gov.uk/about-the-council/coronavirus-information/lets-keep-going.