w/c 15 June 2020
Many of our Southend businesses gave a sigh of relief this week as they were given the go ahead to open their stores. So, how did it go?
I ventured into town at 7.45am on Monday and there was already a buzz about the place with people queuing to stock up on items they have had on their lists for months. And it didn’t slow down from there – people were happy to be back.
Walking through town you could see lamp post columns adorned with signs about safety and distancing, benches were half taped off to encourage people to keep apart and stickers were outside stores to let customers know where to queue.
All of our Southend stores have implemented the necessary safety and distancing measures to keep you and staff safe whilst shopping. Some examples of the measures you may see when in town include perspex screens at till points such as at Mr Simms Sweet Shop, staff wearing face visors like in Game, one way systems as seen in River Island, hand sanitiser available like in Millets and outside queuing systems like at The Royals Shopping Centre.
Stores were well prepared and we were all on hand to offer support and advice where necessary and will continue to be so as we welcome more people back into the town. Our BID Street Rangers were on patrol as usual to help businesses and the public, and our partners in the Community Safety and Town Centre Police Teams were also available all day to offer guidance where needed.
But I want to particularly highlight our Welcome Hosts. We have had nearly 50 people who have volunteered to be in town to be a welcome face, offer advice and provide hand sanitiser to any shoppers that want it. They have been doing a fantastic job so be sure to say ‘hi’ and get your dollop of hand sanitiser when you’re next in.
Your local businesses need your support after months of closures so if you’re looking to have a spend up this weekend then please visit our high street. Be part of the solution - Shop Local, Shop Safe in Southend.
- Suzanne Gloyne