Fenland Council is supporting pubs, restaurants and hairdressers get ready to open safely this weekend

Preparations are under-way to help support the reopening of more businesses across the district from this weekend.

Fenland District Council has been in touch with over 1,000 hospitality and hairdressing businesses to offer advice and guidance ahead of July 4, when cafes, pubs, restaurants and hairdressers are allowed to reopen so long as COVID-19 safety measures are in place.

It follows more than three months of business closures in response to the coronavirus crisis.

The council is working with premises to understand how venues intend to operate safely and identify any areas where the authority can further support business recovery. It will also support businesses which are planning to extend or request outdoor seating areas.

Any businesses which require advice or assistance to re-open safely, such as help with signage or co-ordinating how people can social distance, can contact the Council via its business survey at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/L7H8D3X

So far more than 200 businesses across the district have received tailored support to help them meet COVID-19 compliance requirements.

A business support officer is also available to visit premises to offer guidance if needed. To arrange, contact the council’s Environmental Health team at: envhealth@fenland.gov.uk

Meanwhile, Fenland District Council Leader, Councillor Chris Boden, has thanked residents and businesses for helping support a safe return to Fenland’s high streets following the reopening of non-essential retailers on June 15.

He said: “It has been good to see people come back into our town centres and support our local retailers as they get back to business.

“I would like to thank all those who have returned to the high street and observed social distancing guidance, and also businesses for adapting their operations to help maintain a safe shopping environment for everyone.”

Councillor Ian Benney, the council’s portfolio holder for economic growth, added: “Businesses have had an incredibly difficult and challenging time since March so it’s more important than ever for people to support them and shop local.

“We have worked with a number of businesses to help them reopen safely and will continue to offer support as even more businesses begin to reopen in the coming days and weeks.”

As well as new signage, posters and banners in town centres to help people observe social distancing, the council’s recovery plan includes additional cleansing of town centres, council-owned public toilets and public open spaces.