Shopping safely to boost Worcestershire’s economy

Businesses will need to adapt when reopening to ensure safe shopping, which allows customers to socially distance.

Worcestershire County Council is investigating ways to help local businesses open their doors once again and get the economy moving.

One of the ideas currently being worked up is whether businesses could use some of the pavements to increase their floor space.

The principle of people being able to stay at least two metres away from each other is key to these plans.

This concept will be suitable for areas which are pedestrianised, have wide footways and on boulevards. It won’t be suitable for all shopping areas in Worcestershire.

Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways said: “We need to restore people’s freedom to go shopping again. We are discussing the practicalities of using pavements to increase floor space with all the appropriate bodies. Our first priority is people’s safety. We have to make sure that everyone can keep to the 2 metres social distancing guidance. We will continuing working through this idea and share with businesses when we have finalised all the arrangements.”