Safety action plan aims to bring people back to Preston city centre

Fishergate in Preston city centre Pic: Tony Worrall

Preston City Council has submitted an action plan to Central Government, designed to encourage people to return to the city centre safely as part of the European Regional Development Fund’s ‘Reopening High Streets Safely’ funding.

The council will work with local businesses and Preston Business Improvement District (BID) on the implementation of the plan.

The plan includes a series of campaigns throughout the rest of 2020 working with businesses, community groups and members of the public to encourage relevant safety measures and as well provide up to date information from Public Health England.

The plan also includes a series of practical measures such as additional hand sanitising stations across the city centre, subject to necessary planning permissions.

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Councillor Peter Moss, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulations at Preston City Council, said: “We are strongly committed to the success of Preston city centre and welcome the allocated contribution from central Government through the European Regional Development Fund.

“While restricted in how we can spend this money, we are keen to use it in the most advantageous way possible for the city, its residents, communities and businesses.

“However this funding is only part of the story. We are also working extremely hard to push forward other exciting and influential pieces of work such as the City Living Strategy, Stoneygate Masterplan, Animate and collaborating for the development of the City Investment Plan, to name just a few.

“We all have a role to play in tackling this pandemic and it’s vital that we continue to follow government guidance and protect each another as we return to the city and support the fantastic range of businesses that make Preston city centre what it is.”

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