Stepping up plans for Romsey’s town centre
Test Valley Borough Council is teaming up with Romsey Town Council as part of the authority’s project to make town centres safe and secure in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As restrictions begin to be lifted by central government, a number of shops will be reopening later this month. The council has been working on its recovery phase of the coronavirus response for two months and is now preparing to make town centres safe and secure spaces.
As the council steps up plans for the borough’s high streets and shopping areas, a number of partners are being consulted in preparation. Romsey Town Council is helping the authority with plans including signage, markings and hygiene facilities.
The government has made funds available to assist councils to help put these measures in place in urban spaces and town centres, subject to meeting a number of criteria.
Deputy leader, councillor Nick Adams-King, added: “We are working hard with Hampshire County Council and Romsey Town Council to ensure our residents feel safe in their local community.
“As the restrictions are lifted by central government over the coming few weeks, we need to ensure that we’re prepared for high streets and town centres to become more populated places.
“Although we realise it will take time for things to get back to normality, hopefully these small changes will help to make a big difference.”
Romsey Town Centre Manager, Mark Edgerley, added: “Discussions with local retailers have convinced us that businesses are ready to open, risk assessments have been worked on and physical measures have been installed. There will be temporary measures in place such as limiting numbers in shops, one-way systems and some queueing on pavements but these are slight inconveniences to ensure we all stay safe.”