Both Harrogate Borough Council and the Harrogate BID group have organised town centre “ambassadors” as they work to allay shoppers’ fears and welcome them back to the district’s town centres.
The council says its ambassadors will be on hand to help welcome people and offer information and advice to shoppers where they can.
The council has organised a toolkit with advice and materials to help businesses across the district open, including a checklist of the measurements required both in and outside shops. It’s also distributed printable posters and directional signs to help shops manage the flow of customers.
Harrogate BID has also organised town centre “hosts” and distributed leaflets and posters. The hosts will be tasked with giving shoppers peace of mind as lockdown is eased by welcoming them, giving out information and noting hotspots that need to be cleaned.
It’s not clear if both sets of ambassadors will be working in the town centre at the same time.
One of Harrogate BID’s posters for the town centre
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The council says public toilets in the busiest areas will be opened and parking charges have been re-introduced.
Councillor Graham Swift, deputy council leader and cabinet member for economic development, said:
“Monday will be an exciting and anxious day for everyone as we all learn to adapt to a new normal.
“Many of our retail businesses are pulling out all the stops to be ready to open safely and we are doing everything we can to support their efforts.
“Our package of measures are designed to support retailers and their customers to get back to trading and shopping as soon as possible and operate in a safe way to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“We know we are at the start of a long road, but we are committed to working with businesses to progress the district’s economic recovery in the months ahead.”