Wakefield shoppers urged to #SupportLocal as city reopens for business

The Express is asking readers to join us in backing our local businesses safely as Britain reopens.
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Our message to local firms finding a way out of the pandemic in our #SupportLocal campaign is “we are here for you”.

This is uncharted territory for all of us and we will do what we can to help traders and help to keep staff and customers safe.

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We want to know which businesses are readers looking forward to re-opening and we want to hear the opening plans firms have in place.

The Bullring during lockdownThe Bullring during lockdown
The Bullring during lockdown

On Monday non-essential shops will be allowed to open again.

Full list of shops that will reoepen in JuneExperts are cautiously optimistic about the move.

Managing director of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Martin Hathaway said: “I’m delighted that our high streets are going to be reopening from Monday, and hopeful for a profitable return for retailers that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

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“It’s likely to be a cautious return for most, as they must explore the most effective ways to deploy and protect employees as well as customers, in the changed marketplace.

“Social distancing is still in force, but I know Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police have been working closely with local traders to make sure there is minimum inconvenience for shoppers whilst ensuring their safety.”

Wakefield Council has been offering advice and support to businesses reopening and has backed the Express campaign.

Coun Darren Byford, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Regeneration at Wakefield Council, said: “We wholeheartedly support the Wakefield Express campaign to encourage people to shop local and to visit local businesses safely as some shops begin to reopen.

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“Our city and town centres and many of our villages have some fantastic independent retail and hospitality offers as well as lots of the big brands.

“If we can all try and shop local it will not only benefit our local economy but will give people the chance to see what a great place to shop our district really is.

“It is a very challenging time for businesses of all types and sizes, and now is the time for the district to unite in supporting them.

“We have and will continue to offer extensive support and advice to business owners, including those now taking steps to reopen, in line with the latest government advice.

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“We encourage businesses and shoppers to stay safe and follow social distancing guidance, sanitising or washing hands regularly.”

“Any business needing support can contact us at [email protected], or can call 01924 306630.”

Six business trends we expect from the coronavirus pandemicBusiness Secretary Alok Sharma said: ““This is the latest step in the careful restarting of our economy and will enable high streets up and down the country to spring back to life.”

Enforcement notices can be issued if shops reopen without following the guidance, he added.

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Mr Sharma said: “Of course, there are businesses which still remain closed. As soon as we can we will publish further safer working guidance for restaurants, pubs and bars, as well as hairdressers, barbers, nail bars and related services.

“I know there’s been a lot of speculation about when we might be able to reopen these parts of the economy and I completely understand why we’re all so keen to get them back up and running, and I absolutely share that enthusiasm.”

“But we continue to follow the road map which set out our ambition to reopen these sectors from July 4 at the earliest.”