Reopening our high streets

High streets across the borough are on a countdown for re-opening on Wednesday 2 December and they are back with a positively Christmas feel and a new message.

From Neston to Northwich, Ellesmere Port to Winsford and Chester to Frodsham shoppers are being welcomed back ‘Calmly, Warmly, Carefully’ #EatDrinkShopCWC

As the high streets re-open, the borough enters a new phase under Tier 2 restrictions.   

Christmas lights and decorations are up across west Cheshire from Ellesmere Port’s lanterns, Northwich bridges to the Chester Town Hall square Christmas Tree and CheStar at Chester Cathedral. The high streets are also having a makeover, the original COVID-19 signs are being replaced with a new borough wide welcome: ‘Calmly, Warmly, Carefully’, we can keep our high streets open and our communities safe.  

Shoppers are still being asked to observe social distancing, cover faces when indoors and wash their hands regularly whilst Cheshire West and Chester Council has been working with businesses to help stay COVID safe.  

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, said: “We are expecting a busy few weeks leading up to Christmas, we appreciate how tough it’s been for our high streets and understandably some shoppers can be nervous returning to shops.  

“Please come back to our shops and leave yourself more time, as there may be queues. Being Careful, by keeping two metres apart and remembering to wear face coverings and washing your hands regularly. There will be a Warm welcome waiting.”  

The Council has been making sure high streets are as welcoming as possible. High streets and street furniture are being cleaned with a high-pressure jet wash and Chester’s ‘big belly’ bins have all now been fitted with foot pedals to reduce having to touch surfaces.  

Additional hand washing facilities are being provided in the city centre outside public toilets (that have remained open during the current lockdown). 3,000 floor stickers are being put in place helping to mark queuing areas outside shops and encourage social distancing.  

Added Councillor Shore: “There has been a lot of work with partners including Northwich and Chester BIDS and Marketing Cheshire to make sure there is a safe welcome as our high streets re-open.  

“Since the summer we have had a team of Capable guardians helping businesses and the public on our high streets. Over the past few weeks we have also increased the number of co-sign radios for our businesses, these are mainly used to help with security issues but during the pandemic, the Capable guardians can be called for help with queue management or for other practical assistance.”   

The Capable guardians are uniformed high street information officers that have been supporting high streets across the borough with information and guidance.

Tier 2 Restrictions :

1. Retail can be open
2. Entertainment can be open
3. Personal care can be open
4. Accommodation can be open
5. Indoor leisure e.g. gyms and swimming can be open
6. Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. Last orders 10pm and must close by 11pm
7. Travel, the number of journeys should be reduced where possible and avoid travel into Tier three areas (except where necessary for work, education, medical attention, youth services or caring responsibilities)
8. Large events, live performances open to the public but with 50 per cent capacity, or 2,000 outdoors / 1,000 indoors (whichever is lower). Social contact limits apply

Chester city centre pedestrian areas will have extended periods until 8pm where restaurants and bars offer alfresco tables. 

Cheshire West and Chester Council were awarded £305,395 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the Re-opening High Streets Safely Fund, to support businesses to re-open safely. 

Cycling has seen a huge rise in popularity since the start of the pandemic, new experimental active travel lanes are in place and cycle parking is now available at Kaleyards car park.  

Chester’s Park and Ride service also continued during the current lockdown, like all public transport, face coverings are to be worn when travelling and contactless payment is available. Park and Ride is offering return journeys for just £1 until January.