'Helpers' will be sent out to Harborough town centre as shops begin to open their doors after lockdown

Council staff are working overtime to help over 100 shops and businesses re-open across Harborough on Monday June 15.

The district council is striving to make sure that people practice “social distancing and safe shopping” in a bid to stop the infectious coronavirus spreading.

But shoppers are being warned they will soon have to start paying to park again after the council suspended charges when the lockdown was imposed in late March.

The local authority is sending out ‘helpers’ in town centres to make sure that shoppers follow the rules after a Covid-19 lockdown lasting almost three months.

Wearing high-visibility vests, the ‘helpers’ will help guide shoppers and answer any questions.

Public hand sanitiser stations will also be set up in the busy high streets of towns like Market Harborough, Lutterworth and Kibworth.

Street floor-stencilling will encourage people to follow certain routes and show customers where to queue.

“Shoppers are encouraged to look out for the new signage and follow the instructions accordingly,” said Harborough council.

Public toilets are also re-opening in the Commons car park in Market Harborough on Monday.

Additional cleaning arrangements and new signs will be put in place and staff will be on hand to allow one person in at a time.

Cllr Phil King, leader of Harborough District Council, said: “A huge amount of work has gone into helping get high streets ready for re-opening.

“I thank all those involved in putting these essential measures in place so quickly.

“Local businesses have been devastated by this pandemic.

“It’s so important for our local economy, local employment and business owners that we do all we can to ensure they can open safely and start to trade again.”

Earlier this month the council produced a poster entitled ‘Are you ready to re-open?’ and other resources to offer advice to businesses.

“All possible measures have been put in place to help create a very safe and pleasurable shopping experience,” added Cllr King.

“I encourage people to support local businesses, when they re-open, to help them get back on track.”

Further details about measures being put in place will be made available over the next few days.

The council warned that it is set to re-introduce parking charges at all council-owned car parks in the next few.

Parking restrictions continue to apply as usual at on-street locations in town centres.

A webpage is being created with more information about town centres re-opening and will be available at www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus