A new ‘We Are Back’ campaign has been launched in the Rochford district to welcome shoppers back to our town centres from Monday 15 June, when the government eases COVID-19 restrictions.

Rochford District Council is committed to supporting local businesses to re-open in a way that is safe for both customers and staff in terms of social distancing and hygiene, and which will give shoppers the confidence to return to our fantastic independent retailers.

 

The council has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund for this project, and has been working in partnership with our parishes and Rayleigh Town Council, local business representatives and the 3 Chambers of Trade to understand the needs of our businesses and residents.

The aim is to spread the word that our town centres will be open for business again, and that shoppers can visit in a way that maintains social distancing.

To achieve this, the council will be installing a range of safety measures and notices across Rayleigh, Rochford and Hockley Town Centres, allowing people to circulate safely. This week, the authority is providing all of our retailers with information packs to help them to prepare to reopen safely.

 

This will include:  

• An information leaflet, introducing ‘We Are Back’, summarising Government guidance on ‘COVID-Secure’ reopening and highlighting resources and webinars available to support retailers as they reopen.

 

• A ‘COVID-Secure’ risk assessment poster, allowing businesses to self-certify that they have taken all necessary steps to maintain safe hygiene and social distancing practices in accordance with Government guidance.

 

• A ‘COVID-Secure’ window poster, requesting a limit on the number of customers in the premises at any time, allowing customers to shop with confidence.

 

• ‘We Are Back’ window stickers, helping spread the word that the district’s centres and shops are open for business in a safe and responsible way.

 

A new website will be launched at www.weareback.co.uk which will be updated in the coming days to give shoppers all the information they need to know about how to get here and how to circulate safely. It will also provide the resources listed above for download, along with Government guidance, for any other businesses requiring information and support. This will be updated with further guidance from the Government as additional businesses and amenities are permitted to reopen.

The council would love to hear from businesses preparing to reopen and welcome customers back in a safe way. If you are a retailer or shop owner and are happy to share your story and any pictures of your preparations, please use the hashtag #WeAreBack and tag in our social media channels – Twitter @RochfordDC,  Facebook: Rochford District Council, Instagram @RochfordDC. Alternatively you can contact our Economic Development Team on business@rochford.gov.uk or @business_rdc.

 

Rochford District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Cllr Simon Wootton, said: “We are all too aware of the tough times many local traders have experienced in recent months as a result of the COVID-19 situation.

“We hope the ‘We Are Back’ initiative sends a message to shoppers and visitors that our excellent town centres and independent retailers are very much open for business, and that we are ensuring safety measures are in place to allow everyone to shop with confidence.

“In the weeks to come, I would urge everyone to think about shopping local, and support our businesses as they get back on their feet.”

For further information, please visit www.weareback.co.uk