'Security and safety' top priorities for Staffordshire's retail and hospitality reopening
The Trentham Estate will fully reopen on Monday - as non-essential shops and outdoor cafés and restaurants are released of covid-19 restrictions
One of Staffordshire's most popular shopping villages and visitor attractions is set to fully reopen on the 12th April with "safety and security" as it's two top priorities.
In line with step two of the Government’s roadmap, all retailers deemed ‘non-essential’ at The Trentham Estate in Staffordshire can reopen their doors from Monday, together with outdoor hospitality - restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating only.
After the many lockdowns and a prolonged period of closure for retailers, the village is also launching a retail-focussed ‘Spring Bounce Back’ campaign.
In addition to free parking and widened walking routes, teams have been working behind the scenes to ensure all safety measures are maintained and adhered to - with 'Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air' being incorporated into all places.
Visitors can expect social distancing floor markers, hand sanitising stations and handwashing facilities, and all staff using PPE and Perspex screens where required.
It comes as Public Health England (PHE) is urging people in the region to stick to the national guidance, as the next milestone in the roadmap draws closer.
On Monday, hairdressers, nail salons and gyms can also reopen; along with public buildings such as libraries and community centres. Indoor facilities can open – but only for use by people on their own or within household groups.
People will also be able to enjoy outdoor attractions like zoos, theme parks and drive-in or outdoor cinemas; while pubs and eateries with outside space are able to provide outdoor table-service. This next milestone will also see self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets without shared facilities, open for business.
With COVID-19 case rates in the West Midlands at an encouraging 43.1 per 100,000 population, and continuing on a downward trend, the need to follow the rules is even more important, as restrictions continue to be relaxed and more people are likely to be mixing.
Dr Lola Abudu, Director of Health and Wellbeing with Public Health England (PHE) in the West Midlands, said: “We’re all excited at the prospect of being able to get back to doing some of the things we’ve missed over recent months; some well-deserved pampering at a salon, spending time socialising with friends in a pub or restaurant garden, or even planning a small camping or self-catering holiday. However, rates could easily go back up again if we become complacent and let things slip.
“Thanks to people’s hard work and conscientious attitudes, from being the region with the highest case rates in England, the West Midlands is now down to 43.1 per 100,000. We want to see that trend continue so that people can enjoy more freedoms as we head towards much wider relaxing of restrictions in the summer. So, we’re urging those businesses reopening to ensure they are doing everything possible to maintain a Covid-secure environment for their staff and any customers – including providing as much ventilation as possible.
“Whether you’re browsing through books or clothes in a shop, working out at the gym, visiting zoos or theme parks, or popping down to the pub; it’s important to continue to respect the rules. Go alone or with your household or support bubble to an indoor setting – and don’t forget Hands, Face, Space – Fresh Air. If you’re enjoying time outdoors, such as in a pub garden or outside space at a restaurant, remember you can meet with up to six people or two households. Let’s enjoy doing all those things we’ve missed, while still staying safe.”