Councillors Campaigning for a Safer High Street

Bromsgrove's Lib Dem councillors are asking the District Council to implement measures to support local retailers and keep shoppers safe on the high street during the Covid-19 pandemic, following the announcement from the Prime Minster that shops could reopen from 1 June.

The group are urging the Council to act swiftly in assessing what additional safety measures may be required in the town centre if the Government allows non-essential retail to reopen from 1 June.

The Lib Dem councillors expressed they want shops to reopen so people can get back to work, but only when it is safe to do so.

Rob Hunter, Lib Dem councillor for Norton and Lickey End, expressed the urgency for the Council to review safety measures.

Councillor Hunter said: "We're extremely grateful for all the excellent work our town centre management team do to make Bromsgrove a great place to work, visit and shop. In light of the new government guidance, we now need to consider what the future will look like for our retail centres once lock down does ease so above all we can keep people safe but also ensure Bromsgrove remains a very appealing place to come to. A full review must take place before more shops reopen"

Councillor Hunter added that the Government has published specific guidance for councils to follow for safely operating public spaces, including urban areas.

The Government suggests that these could include new markings on the pavement to help people socially distance, additional waste collections or revised cleaning protocols or defined entry and exit points.

Lib Dem councillors are also campaigning for the Council to explore options to support the town centre's market traders to get back to work once it is safe to do so, as government advice says market stalls must remain closed at this time.

Councillor Siobhan Hughes, who represents Bromsgrove Central, added: "It is vital that our Council supports local market traders during this difficult time. The Bromsgrove Lib Dems are urging the Council to assess how traders can return to work safely in the future."

The opposition councillors are urging the Council to act quickly before shops may reopen next month.