These are the changes you can expect to see in Chesterfield town centre as shops reopen

Chesterfield Borough Council has been working with retailers and market traders since the Prime Minister’s announcement earlier this month that there were plans to restart the economy and ease lockdown restrictions over a planned period.

The council has announced what changes shoppers will see from today, June 15.

Signage will be visible around the town centre to advise shoppers where to queue outside individual shops, and where restrictions may be enforced, as they are currently at the Market Hall, regarding limiting the number of people who can enter premises at the same time.

There will also be signs in other areas such as Chesterfield Borough Council car parks and green spaces reminding people to follow social distancing guidelines keeping two metres apart from anyone outside of their household, and not to congregate in groups.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Our priority is to ensure that Chesterfield town centre is as safe as possible for everyone. Whilst we are still awaiting further government guidance about the relaxation of lockdown measures, the council is committed to supporting local retailers and market traders to return to the high street.

“We have conducted a specific review looking at how the council can help our town centre retailers and traders to start to return by introducing positive measures such as signage reminding people to follow social distancing guidance and controlling queuing outside shops, all of which will be in place soon.”

The council said it has been working with a number of town centre retailers to establish what assistance they might need in controlling queuing outside their stores, particularly in terms of barriers, signage and floor markings; the intention being to create safe queuing zones and pedestrian flows in these areas.

Barriers will be available for shops to use to make it clear where people should queue and wait to enter shops and this process will be supported by a number of “council appointed ambassadors” who will be deployed around the town centre to “assist shoppers and maintain safe social distancing”.

The public toilets located in the Market Hall have re-opened, with social distancing measures and extra cleaning processes in place.

The council has warned that this may mean increased queues for the toilets.

Chesterfield Borough Council is also encouraging shop workers and residents to cycle or walk into the town centre, wherever possible.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, added: “Please do think about whether you need to drive into the town centre or take public transport. We would encourage you to cycle or walk. This would good for the environment and good for your health and wellbeing.”

The council will be lowering the car parking barriers and car parking charges were re-introduced from Monday 1 June.