Northumberland shoppers urged to support local businesses coming out of lockdown

Many traders are getting ready to reopen their doors for the first time in 12 weeks on Monday, June 15 when coronavirus restrictions are further eased.

However, they need shoppers to return and help their businesses – and the wider economy – begin the road to recovery.

As many shops have been given to go-ahead to reopen from Monday, the Northumberland Gazette is running our #supportlocal campaign calling on people to help their local businesses to get over the lockdown.

Fiona Nelson van Loon, who owns Ruby Tuesday in Alnwick, said: “There are a really great range of local shops here and the message is that ‘we’re back’.

“Many of us have had support during lockdown from local people ordering online and we thank them for supporting us during that time.

“There will be challenges ahead and we will need people to show a little patience while we figure out what the new normal is, but businesses have been working really hard to get everything in place and we’re all looking forward to welcoming customers back.”

Chamber of Trade chairman, Lisa Aynsley, had already predicted that there will be a speedy bounce back if local shoppers show their support.

She said: “Alnwick is very much opening for business from June 15 with a lot of businesses managing a phased return in order to maintain customer and staff safety at all times.

“We are working hard to implement relevant safety measures and very much looking forward to seeing all our loyal customers again.”

Northumberland County Council has been working with town and parish councils to ensure the appropriate safety measures are in place.

Coun Gordon Castle, Alnwick member on Northumberland County Council, said: “I know everyone is anxious for normality to return and that Alnwick shops and businesses are going through a torrid time.

“The increased openings on June 15 will be accompanied by Covid-related measures to help staff and shoppers maintain social distancing.

“We are not out of the woods yet and such restrictions on movement that are decided must be understood as being temporary.

“There are no textbook solutions and county council staff will be in town continuously to observe the easing down and how people are responding.

“Additional measures that need to be implemented will be put in place if they seem justified and any in place that have not worked will be changed as we proceed.

“The town and county councils are trying to work together in this emergency and encourage people to come out and shop in Alnwick and feel as safe as is reasonably possible.

“Many are understandably anxious about the risks, and while these can never be totally eliminated they can be reduced substantially.”

Mayor of Alnwick, Lynda Wearn, said: "It's really good news that businesses are opening again in Alnwick, it must have been a very anxious and tough time for them.

“I know that businesses have been working hard to make sure their premises are safe for staff and customers.

“We really do need to make sure that customers feel safe and are able to come back into town so I applaud the hard work that has gone into making premises safe.

“We, the town council, in partnership with Northumberland County Council are ensuring that the outside space is safe too.

“We need to make sure that there is enough room for people to queue safely whilst waiting to enter any of the shops.

“Once temporary measures are in place we will be actively encouraging people to shop local and support the town to get back to some kind of normality.”

Meanwhile, Fiona at Ruby Tuesday and other Narrowgate businesses are thankful that the street is pedestrianised.

“Certainly for us it’s a godsend that there’s no traffic,” she said. “It’s no secret that I’ve always been in favour of pedestrianisation. If there wasn’t there’s no way you could have social distancing on Narrowgate. The pavements just aren’t wide enough.”

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