North Warwickshire Borough Council has stressed its 'delight' in seeing more businesses being able to reopen this Monday (12 April), following the announcement that stage two of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown will proceed.

NWBC has been working with local businesses and retailers to produce an action plan in respect of safely reopening the high streets on Monday.

The council has said it is keen to ensure that the borough's three market towns Atherstone, Polesworth and Coleshill are all safe places to visit and to work.

There are practical actions and risk assessments for businesses to undertake to ensure their premises are Covid safe and these are being communicated in preparation of the reopening. The council has also been supporting the 38% of local businesses who have been able to remain open during this latest lockdown by providing support packs, PPE, newsletters, and visits.

When the High Street reopens on Monday, the council will actively be encouraging people to follow the 'Hands, Face, Space' messaging throughout the town centres. Face masks will be compulsory (unless an exemption card is shown) to enter all shops and businesses and the two metre rules will be facilitated as much as possible.

Some premises may have to enforce a limited number entry and therefore a queuing system outside.

Steve Maxey, Chief Executive of NWBC said; "We will be delighted to see many local businesses opening their doors again from Monday 12 April. We have been working with the retail, hospitality, personal care, and leisure industries of North Warwickshire throughout lockdown and will continue to support them as they reopen as safely next week.

"Despite the relaxation of certain rules, we must highlight that entry into hospitality outlets must be accompanied by everyone signing in to the Test and Trace system, this is now a requirement and we'd like to remind people to follow the 'Hands, Face, Space' message and continue to test twice per week."

The council has received a significant investment of funding from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme.

During the period of the roadmap the council has appointed an Information Officer to provide support and practical materials for a safe reopening, they can be contacted on [email protected].