Preparation underway to keep shoppers safe.

This is in line with businesses beginning to respond to the Government’s announcement allowing non-essential retail to reopen from the 15 June.

In support of this next phase of changes, a Council campaign to ‘Shop Safe, Shop Local’ will see social distancing signs and markings placed in Banstead, Redhill, Reigate and Horley to help shoppers navigate the ‘new normal’ of the high street.

The aim of the Council’s initiative is to remind and alert shoppers how to navigate crossings and pavements in order to go about their journey in the safest way possible. Brightly coloured graphics – placed at both eye-level and on the floor – will also highlight areas where social distancing may not be possible, such as blind corners and narrow alleyways. Some of the Council car parks which have lifts will have eye-level notices to make shoppers aware that only one household can be in a lift at any one time.

Executive Member for Business and Economy, Councillor Eddy Humphreys said: “Our high streets are at the centre of our local economy. It’s important for our local businesses that shoppers are encouraged back to the high street – and we want them to do so with confidence. However social distancing remains essential to the safety of shoppers, and we hope these markers will help to keep the message at the forefronts of people’s minds and alert them to a ‘new normal’ when it comes to high street etiquette.”

Visitors to the high street can expect to see all new signs and markings in place by the end of June. Similar signage is also being prepared for the borough’s green spaces.

The works being undertaken by the Council are funded by the Government’s Reopening High Streets Safely Fund – a project supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

This scheme complements the work being prepared by Surrey County Council in Reigate town centre to encourage residents to walk and cycle where possible.

Local businesses can find further information on business grants, loans and guidance on how to operate safely during Covid-19 on our Supporting local businesses webpages.