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‘Strong and safe return’ to Preston high streets predicted by Preston BID

Posted on - 12th April, 2021 - 6:00am | Author - | Posted in - Business, City Centre, Politics, Preston City Centre, Preston News, What's On in Preston
Spring flowers in Preston city centre in March Pic: Tony Worrall
Spring flowers in Preston city centre in March Pic: Tony Worrall

As the shops prepare to reopen in the next stage of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plan to reopen the country, Preston high streets are no different as shops anticipate a busy reopening during Monday.

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Preston City Centre BID (Business Improvement District), will be on hand throughout the city centre ensuring COVID-19 safety measures are in place and the public are following government guidelines.

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April 12 has been long awaited by non-essential shops as retail takes a huge hit as a consequence of the pandemic.

Read more: Preston shops prepare to re-open on 12 April

Mark Whittle from Preston BID told Blog Preston: “With the weather expected to be on our side, we’re anticipating seeing a strong return.

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“Footfall from 29th March – 4th April, following the removal of the ‘stay at home’ message, the city centre’s seen an almost 20% increase in footfall, week on week.  Compared to this time last year, when only essential stores were open, and only essential trips for supplies were permitted, footfall is up 192% for the same week.

“There’s a definite buzz in the air, we’ve been in the city centre this week, supporting businesses with their re-opening plans and it’s evident they’re both excited and eager to open their doors.  It’s also great to see how the vast majority of returning businesses are working hard to ensure their operations are covid secure for their team members and returning customers.

Read more: Outdoor and second-hand markets resuming under Preston’s Covered Markets from Monday 12 April

“During recent virtual meetings with all sectors, there’s been a real anticipation from them to get going, we’ve continued to assist businesses throughout this quarter to ensure they’re supported, and on a practical level, get them ready for the big day on Monday.

“It’s incumbent on all of us to continue driving down the rate of infection locally.  For the first time in many months, Preston’s rates are way below 100 cases per 100,000 residents.  We need to carry on with the good work everyone’s undertaken to see this reduce further.

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“We anticipate a strong and safe return from, and thank the city centre’s businesses, and team members, for their patience and resolve, and we wish them a really buoyant week.

“We’re calling on local people ‘come home to their high street’ and show their support, by visiting and enjoying the city centre safely and responsibly.”

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

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