Scores of Chester city centre businesses reopen to public

Today (Monday, June 15), marked the further easing of coronavirus lockdown measures as announced by the Government, allowing non-essential traders to reopen their doors to the public officially, while maintaining social distancing guidelines.

Previously, only essential stores such as ones selling groceries were permitted to be open, while some places such as cafés, sandwich shops and restaurants have been operating during the lockdown as a takeaway business. 

And the scenes in Chester city centre were fairly typical for that of a normal Monday morning's trading, with the main differences being the various social distancing measures implemented across the city centre and in stores, and a minority of the public wearing face masks.

While larger stores have placed two-metre distancing markers outside their stores, so far the only queues to be found were prior to the reopening of their stores, with trade currently best described as steady.

Elsewhere, the only queues were outside banks, where visitor capacity is currently heavily limited.

Not all stores have reopened their doors and shoppers are advised to check online before travelling.

Queues outside Natwest

Shoppers should also follow the CH1ChesterBiD 10-point plan for shopping safely in the city centre:

The 10-point plan is:

1. Travel in safely

With quieter roads and the opportunity to stay outside, cycling is a brilliant option at the moment. Walking is also a great way to access the city centre, either by parking outside the city and continuing the journey on foot or create a route from home that incorporates your daily exercise. The Grosvenor Shopping Centre, NCP on Pepper Street, Linenhall and all council car parks will be open for June 15. Blue Badge holders can use Kaleyards car parking while street parking is temporarily unavailable. Park and Ride services are temporarily suspended.

2. Plan your visit.

It’s important to work out your walking route around the city and an itinerary of where you want to go before you set out. Not all non-essential shops are reopening immediately but may be providing additional online or telephone services. Some shops are planning an appointment system for a one-to-one approach and may need to be contacted in advance.

3. Walk around outside with care.

Chester city centre will be pedestrianised from 10.30am – 4.30pm daily. This allows for greater social distancing as many queues will congregate on pavements. Use the added space allowing at least two metres between you and anyone not from your household. Use your judgement when taking narrow routes on whether you can do so safely.

Bridge Street Coffee is open with a number of measures implemented for the safety of staff and customers

4. Follow the signage.

The city centre will have signage to indicate routes and queueing systems. Individual businesses will be responsible for managing their own spaces. Different shops may have different rules because of their particular space requirements.

5. Follow the new one-way system on the rows.

Chester city rows offer a wonderful respite from any bad weather, but at the moment they must be used on a newly installed one-way system only. The remainder of the city will not be one-way but will have ‘Keep Left’ messaging throughout.

6. Stay clean.

Try to bring hand sanitiser with you into the city. The city centre is deploying up to nine street cleaners at any one time to keep the city centre as safe and hygienic as possible. The most used Bellybins throughout the city have been installed with foot pedals that can be used without skin contact. If you touch any surface from door handles to railings, please use hand sanitiser immediately. There will be additional hand sanitising stations at the doorway of many shops. Contact less payment will be the preferred payment at most retailers.

7. Wear a mask or face covering.

The WHO recommend the wearing of masks in public places. If you don’t have a mask, you will be able to pick one up– from designer versions at local designer Matthew O’Brien to multipacks from Boots or B&M.

8. Eat out.

There are many local eateries that are running takeaway services and would love your support including Chester Market. Use the #ChesterTogether Digital High Street Map to find out if your favourite restaurant is doing so. Perhaps think about picking up a takeaway for your evening meal while you are in the city centre. Some fine dining restaurants are providing cook at home versions. The government are set to confirm a date when restaurants and bars may open.

9. Work rest trips into your day

Public toilets and hand sanitiser will be available at the main bus terminal at the top of Frodsham Street. There will also be a hand sanitisation station available at the entrance of Chester Market.

Chester Cathedral has also reopened

10. Be supportive.

This pandemic has presented a challenge to each and every business in the city centre. The reopening process for those lucky enough to be able to do so will be a learning curve. Help our businesses and if you feel they could improve their offering to make your experience more enjoyable, please do let them know. You can also send suggestions directly to the BID using info@ch1chesterbid.co.uk or social media messaging @CH1Chester.