Bassetlaw Council leader warns against complacency with shops poised to re-open

I would also like to pay tribute to the supermarket staff, to the truckers and delivery drivers, to the people running village stores and to all the volunteers who have supported our communities throughout this crisis.

Over the last few weeks we have seen some minor changes to the Covid-19 restrictions, such as the rules around exercise.

And now the Prime Minister has announced that outdoor markets will be allowed to re-open from June 1 and non-essential retail are expected to re-open on June 15 if the Government’s five tests are met.

Whilst for some, this may seem like we are heading towards some sort of normality, it is vitally important that we do not get complacent.

People are still dying from covid-19 and we all have a responsibility to keep following the Government guidelines, maintain social distancing, wash hands frequently and abide by the rules.

Throughout lockdown people have given up so much, we owe it to everybody not to throw that all away.

In Worksop, full markets will not reopen until everything is in place to manage it safely and in accordance with the guidelines.

Stalls selling food will continue to trade and we will operate a phased approach to bring traders back to the market.

With shops and banks operating their own queuing systems, we must ensure that people using our town centre can do so as safely as possible.

This may mean some changes to the market layout and stalls may not be in their usual locations, but public safety must be our number one priority.

We will publish all our risk assessments on our website, so that people can be reassured about the steps we are taking.

The council has been awarded Government funding to assist with re-opening the high streets and we will now be engaging with local businesses, the Priory centre, business forums and North Notts BID so that Worksop town centre can re-open as a safe, welcoming space.

Coun Simon Greaves is the leader of Bassetlaw Council.