Published: Thursday 08th April 2021 | 11.02am
Non essential shops in Cannock Chase District’s town centres are preparing to re-open on Monday 12 April, following the Government’s announcement on Monday that the next stage of lockdown easing would proceed.
The Council has been reviewing safety measures in the town centres to ensure that they are Covid safe and ready to welcome back shoppers, when they can re-open on 12 April.
The Council has been using guidance provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government to develop its plans. It is also working with partners such as Cannock Town Centre Partnership, Rugeley Town Council, Hednesford Town Council, Bescot Promotions, local shopkeepers, traders and business owners.
Dean Piper, Head of Economic Prosperity said “The Council has worked hard to ensure that plans are in place to allow shoppers a safe and enjoyable visit to our town centres, once we enter step 2 of the Government’s Roadmap and non-essential retail and hospitality venues (outdoor service only) can re-open on Monday 12 April.
“As part of the plans, we are urging anyone who goes into our town centres to observe social distancing guidelines at all times and wear a face covering when entering shops/shopping centres and other indoor premises, unless they have a valid exemption. This is for their own safety and the safety of others. The rule is still to stay at least two metres apart from other people outside of your household or bubble.
"Our COVID Support Team will also be out and about in the town centres to offer support and advice to shoppers and shops.”
Signage will be going up around the town centres to reinforce this public safety message as well as local advertising and a wider social media campaign, featuring our town centres and local businesses, who are looking forward to welcoming shoppers back.
Markets in Cannock and Rugeley will be also be re-opening.
Cannock Street Market - the Council has worked with Bescot Promotions, the Cannock Street Market operator, to ensure that social distancing measures are in place and hand sanitisers are available, throughout the market and on individual stalls.The Street Market is situated to make sure all stalls are in a safe location for the traders, shoppers and the existing shops. The Council and Bescot Promotions will keep the layout under review to ensure that it maintains a safe shopping experience for visitors to the town.Cannock Street Market will be in Cannock Town Centre every Tuesday and Friday 9am until 4pm.
Rugeley Outdoor Market - a reduced market had been running during the lockdown for essential retail only (fruit and veg stall). Non-essential retailers would recommence trading on the market with effect from Tuesday 13 April.
Rugeley Indoor Market Hall - The market hall remained open during the lockdown for essential retail only (butcher and takeaway café). Non-essential retailers would recommence trading in the market hall with effect from Tuesday 13 April.
Prince of Wales Market Hall - The market hall re-opened at the beginning of February for essential retail only (wholesale plant sales). The sale of non-essential items (cut flowers) could recommence with effect from Monday 12 April within Cannock town centre (Littleton Square).
Support for the Council’s plans is being provided through the Re-opening High Streets Safely Fund which is funded by European Regional Development Fund and Her Majesty’s Government.