Calls for everyone to play their part in keeping Northumberland safe as pubs, cafes and restaurants reopen
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Coun Gordon Castle, member for Alnwick on Northumberland County Council, was speaking ahead of the further easing of lockdown measures.
Pubs, cafés, restaurants, hairdressers and holiday accommodation can all reopen for business from Saturday, July 4.
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Hide AdBut Coun Castle warned: “We all have a role to play as lockdown gives way to the new normality, though we are not yet free of risk by any means.
"This is a tourist town in summer months and I am confident visitors will return to our wonderful town with its world class attractions set in magnificent countryside - bookings are coming in steadily to B&Bs and holiday homes.
“Pubs, cafes, restaurants and hairdressers will I am sure adapt to the needs of Covid risk management and both county and town councils have been working together to do all that is possible to help the economy recover.
I walked around town with officers last week observing the situation and speaking with local business owners and we produced and circulated an action plan being worked up to keep instep with the constantly changing picture.
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Hide Ad“I am pleased to have been able to ensure that businesses could put out tables and chairs without contravening policy and I am sure that we will be able to let cafes and pubs find outside room for customers, especially as few pubs or restaurants have outside gardens or eating spaces.
“This is being worked on in the light of recently announced government requirements to put in place specific safeguards to ensure public safety, but the council will not be heavy handed.
“The extension of car parking times to 2 hours where 30 mins was the maximum is an example of very rapid action and I think businesses who have needed financial assistance are generally impressed with the speed of county council responses.
“To local people I can only say, 'come into town and shop and see where your needs can be provided locally’ - there are several outstanding examples in Alnwick of businesses who have shown what can be done despite the restrictions, though I do feel for indoor places like gyms, theatres and beauty salons not yet able to open to the public.
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Hide Ad“The council is working closely with businesses and local groups to get things going again, but I think that hairdressers will experience the biggest customer surge in generations - or they should!”