Covid information officers take to the streets to help keep our high street healthy

With many retailers and businesses reopening today (December 2) following the end of the national lockdown, Lancaster City Council has employed new Covid-19 Information Officers to support the safe return of shoppers to the high street.

As part of the Reopening High Streets Safely project, which is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund, eight new officers have taken to the streets to help make the district a safer place to shop and visit.

Among their duties will be working with the public in retail centres to remind them about the current Covid regulations and guidance, and with other council officers to help businesses implement safe working practices.

With the district's move into Tier 3 restrictions, despite being below the national average for Covid-19 cases, the aim is to drive down infection rates even further and support the case for a local assessment of restrictions.

Councillor Dr Erica Lewis, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “While the end of the national lockdown will come as a welcome relief to many businesses, it is devastating for those that have had to remain closed.

“We made strong representations that Lancaster’s low rate of infection warrants a local assessment, rather than a blanket approach for the whole county.

“Unfortunately, we have not yet won this argument, but we are continuing to fight for support for local jobs and businesses, and for our communities.

“To strengthen our case, we need our infection rates to be falling, so we need everyone to remain vigilant and do everything they can to show the Government that we should not be in Tier 3.

“For those businesses, and the livelihoods they support, that are remaining closed, there are a range of grants, along with other support, on offer from our business support team.

“I would encourage any business that have been impacted by the COVID restrictions to get in touch.”

More information on business grants is available on the council’s website at Lancaster.gov.uk/lrsg and the business support team can be contacted at business.support@lancaster.gov.uk.

There are also a few things we can all do to shop safely and aid the easing of restrictions.

• Stay home if you feel unwell or have been in contact with another person within the last 14 days who is positive for coronavirus
• Regularly wash your hands and when you get home or use hand sanitizer when out and about
• Plan your journey in advance by checking the shops you want to visit are open and the procedures they have in place
• Give everyone space
• Use a cashless method of payment
• Cycle and walk if you can. If you have to drive, use the Ringgo method to pay for parking

The project is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund.

 Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.

Last updated: 02 December 2020