'We didn't litter the town with Covid signs - instead we're giving out masks that people can wear'
There’s late night shopping in Newton Abbot tonight, as non-essential retail stores are able to open for the first time in a month - with shoppers being offered free snood face masks.
Organisers say the longer shopping hours will help to ensure more space. The town will also have ‘Love Newton Abbot’ hand sanitiser dotted around for shoppers to use.
In Torbay the 'pay for an hour, stay for a day' promotion will run in selected council-run car parks in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham from tomorrow.
South Hams Council is also urging people to shop locally.
Newton Abbot Town centre manager Sally Henley says they’ve resisted cluttering the town with social distancing signs.
She said: "Newton Abbot Town Council, since the beginning, didn't really want to go down the route that some towns took which was littering with lots of posters and lots of pavement markers saying keep two metres apart.
"We felt the media had done quite a good job of that and we felt that people basically knew what the rules were. We wanted the town to feel as normal as possible, but as a safe as possible.
"We've had a really good safe environment in the town all the businesses have been doing their own things.
"We wanted to do something slightly different, something more practical, something more helpful and something a bit more cheering from a safety point of view to encourage shoppers into town.
"We've worked with a very local business and we've got some hand sanitisers that are branded with out Love Newton Abbot logo and we've also got some face coverings.
"We haven't gone down the route of the face mask. We've gone the route of a snood.
"You simply wear those around your neck and when you go into a shop or a business you simply pull them up over your nose.
"There's no risk of losing them, no risk of dropping them or them coming out of your pocket so we felt these would be really practical things to offer shoppers and that would have longevity and life after Covid.
"It's something really useful and practical to say thank you for shopping locally."
She added: "Most towns have looked at the government strap line ‘Hands, Face, Space’ and have focussed on the ‘Space’ element with the 2 metre markings and social distancing signs.
"Here in Newton Abbot we have focussed upon the ‘Hands’ and ‘Face’ elements!"
For more about tonight's late night shopping in Newton Abbot click here
For more about the Torbay's 'pay for an hour, stay for a day' offer click here
Councillor Judy Pearce, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “It’s been a hugely challenging time for local businesses since this pandemic began and we all need to play our part to support them at a time which is usually one of their busiest.
"We know residents are very nervous, but remember we have one of the lowest rates of infection in the South Hams in England, despite us being in Tier 2.
“We are asking if communities can stay local and shop local and support our businesses whatever they offer. We’ve given a snapshot of what is on offer to buy for gifts in the South Hams but remember as well as our shops, there are also the food and drink outlets, salons on offer which would usually benefit from Christmas pampering who are also losing out this year, so do what you can to help.
“We are continuing to support the high streets with support and financial aid and we are completely committed to doing what we can to help secure the towns’ economic stability for the future.”
Remember when out on the high street to stop for food, because a shopping trip would not be complete without stopping in one of the local cafés, pubs or restaurants for a delicious meal or afternoon tea. Don’t forget a lot of our towns have wonderful markets with fresh produce and homemade wares which can make the perfect gifts.
"In the run up to Christmas, all towns, along with the smaller ones of South Brent and Modbury, all have so much to offer and are a delight to visit. This year, more than ever, they need your support to help them to survive.
"The Covid pandemic has taken its toll and shoppers may be nervous to go back to the high street, however strict measures are in place with hand sanitisers in shops, one-way systems in place, social distancing and the wearing of masks, (where possible) all in place to ensure your safety.
"South Hams District Council has been working closely with businesses to help keep you safe so you can shop with confidence."