Wakefield Ridings and Trinity Walk shopping centres prepare for reopening of more stores

Shops selling food and essentials have been the only ones open for business in The Ridings and Trinity Walk but that is set to change next month.

Shops selling non-essential items will be allowed to open from next month and The Ridings and Trinity Walk are putting measures in place to keep people safe.

Lee Appleton, The Ridings centre director said: “We are currently open supporting our essential stores and are looking forward to welcoming more of our retailers and customers back, hopefully from the 15th June

“We have been working hard to ensure that everyone who visits or works here, can do that safely, this includes introducing a one-way system throughout the centre, additional signage, floor stickers and directional signage on doors, lifts and stairs.

“Furthermore, we have installed hand sanitiser units throughout The Ridings and increased staff training to enable them to help our guests adhere to the social distancing guidelines. We encourage our guests to be kind to each other and our colleagues and to please give each other space.”

Trinity Walk is making its final preparations for its reopening schedule but was not yet able to confirm details.

A spokesman said: “We just wanted to let you all know that behind the scenes, the Trinity Walk team and partners are working hard on detailed plans so we can be ready to safely start to welcome people back when the time comes. We anticipate stores will gradually begin to choose to reopen from June 15 onwards - but only in line with Government guidance.”

Wakefield Council has been working with businesses and offering advice to help shops reopen and manage social distancing.