RESIDENTS in Malvern Hills District are being urged to shop local but stay safe after it entered Tier 2 of the Government’s new local Coronavirus restrictions.
Malvern Hills District Council has also confirmed it is supporting the Government’s call to allow retail shops to open for as long as they like, Monday to Saturday, during December and January.
Under Tier 2 rules, residents cannot mix with people from outside their household or support bubble in indoor settings.
Up to six people from different households can meet outdoors in private gardens or public spaces.
There are also tighter restrictions on hospitality businesses.
Shops, gyms, and other leisure business are also reopening and a surge in shoppers is expected as people look to start or finalise their Christmas present buying.
Coun Sarah Rouse, Malvern Hills District Council leader, urged people to get out and support local traders but to be sensible as well.
She said: “The greatest gift you can give our local traders this Christmas is your custom. Please support local businesses as much as you can but do so safely.
“Please follow the rules on household mixing, wear face coverings indoors and keep your distance while shopping and outside on the street when queuing. If you cannot imagine a sofa or a bath between you and the next person then you are probably too close.”
Malvern Hills District Council is putting the following support in place to help businesses during this challenging time:
- The launch of the Reassuringly Local campaign, encouraging people to support local traders and to make use of their online, delivery and click and collect services. Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/town-centres for details.
- Relaxing planning enforcement rules to allow shops to open as long as they like, Monday to Saturday, from now until the end of January without permission. Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.
- More than £500,000 has been paid out to businesses affected by the national lockdown with more applications being processed. A new scheme is being set up for businesses unable to trade due to new local coronavirus restrictions.
- Making parking free from 3pm every day until December 24 in all Malvern Hills District Council pay and display car parks.
Coun Rouse added: “I know how hard this pandemic has been on everyone. I’ve lost my job and loved ones as a result of this virus as well, so I understand how everyone is feeling.
“Residents and businesses across our district have sacrificed so much to get our infection rate down and I am grateful to everyone for their efforts. Let’s not give up now when the end of this pandemic is in sight.
“Please keep following the rules, please keep on protecting each other and we will get through this and we will come back stronger.”
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/coronavirus to find out more about the Tier 2 restrictions, the impact on services and support on offer.
