AS THE summer season begins and shops start to re-open, businesses are welcoming visitors and shoppers safely back to high streets and town centres across Tendring.

Businesses have been busy putting into place the Government’s guidance and preparing safety measures for customers and staff.

Harwich, Dovercourt, and Manningtree rely on a busy summer season, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.

Shops have been hit hard by COVID19, but now it’s time to bounce back and collectively they have one message for visitors; Tendring is open for business.

Tendring Council’s ‘Shop Safe’ campaign, is all about promoting its town centres, shops and high streets, encouraging people to visit but to still adhere to safety measures and stay safe.

Halstead Gazette:

Zena Smart, who runs ‘It's All Handmade’, a small shop in Dovercourt, said: “I like to encourage people in the area to get crafty and enjoy art. The locals are happy that we did not close down because of the pandemic.People have been very cooperative with the rules so far - only two customers (a family of three max) and sanitizer is available. I discourage customers from touching the goods as I can wear gloves and show them. I also have a safe zone at the back of the shop for the sellers so goods can be quarantined.”

Steve Tattam, from Winyl, in Manningtree, said: “We have installed hand sanitiser inside and outside the store, with a queuing system. There is a screen at the till, contactless payment and self-serve bags at the door. I have displayed ‘do not touch’ signs unless buying, and disposable gloves if anyone wishes to browse the records. We have been fogged by ULV fogging and we have clear floor markings on a 2m runway and 1m dots for the 1m+ rule. Drinks are only served via a booking system and only four people are allowed for that.”

Halstead Gazette:

Although the Government is encouraging people safely back to shops, they have stipulated that we must not let our progress lead to complacency and ask people to remain vigilant in order to keep the virus under control.

From today, to give people more confidence to shop safely, and enhance protections for those who work in shops, the use of face coverings will be mandatory in shops and supermarkets.

Lucy Mitchell, who runs Ragmarsh Farm Butchers in Manningtree, said: “We have a one way flow through the shop, max of two customers at a time, and a face covering signage. We have screens to protect our staff and have increased our cleaning. There is sanitiser for customers.People can click and collect via ordering from ragmarshfarmbutchers.com, or can offer home delivery. The £50 and £30 meat box allow people to buy all of their meat in one go. Our Facebook page, Ragmarsh Farmshop and Butchers, provides regular updates.”

Graham Bates, from Ultra Low Volume Fogging, in Lawford, aims to keep businesses open and added: “We help businesses operate by offering an "Ultra Low Volume" Fogging system. Our ultra-fine sterilising fog kills airborne pathogens right away whilst targeting surfaces and hard to reach areas leaving bacteria nowhere to hide. It is suitable for all surfaces including soft furnishings and perishable materials.”

Halstead Gazette:

Harwich is celebrating the 400th anniversary of The Mayflower’s historic trans-Atlantic voyage, taking the Pilgrim Fathers to America and founding the first permanent European settlement.

A programme of events is taking place across the year and proves to be a great day out for visitors and a must-see for history lovers, who can visit the home of the Mayflower’s Master, Captain Christopher Jones, and explore more about the town’s links to the historic journey.

More information can be found by clicking here.

If you are a local business and would like to take part in the council’s Shop Safe campaign please contact enquire@socialcreatives.co.uk.