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Press Release

10 June 2020

Safe shopping measures in place for reopening of retail in Fareham

Social distancing measures and one-way systems for shoppers are being introduced to ensure that Fareham remains a safe place to shop as retail outlets start to re-open from next Monday (June 15).

Fareham Borough Council has been working closely with retailers and Fareham Shopping Centre to ensure that the shopping experience for people visiting Fareham from Monday is safe and reassuring.

It is the first time that many shops will have been able to open since the Covid-19 lockdown in March. Government restrictions on many retail stores are being relaxed provided they can maintain social distancing and ensure that they can keep customers and staff safe.

A one-way system for people using the Osborn Road multi-storey car park to get to and from the shopping centre will keep people separated. The four lifts for the car park have been designated as two for up only and two for down only. The multi storey car park in Civic Way also benefits from one way systems and there are hand gel dispensers on every floor.

The Council is also issuing leaflets to all retailers in the town centre offering to support them in their plans for re-opening and maintaining safety.

Fareham Shopping Centre has introduced floor markings to keep people two metres apart, a one-way system along the malls and barriers to ensure that people can queue safely for shops. They have installed a number of hand gel dispensers. Please note there may also be a limit on the number of people able to enter the centre from time to time.

The West Passage public toilets within the shopping centre will remain closed. The only public toilets open will be those behind New Look opposite the Osborn Road multi-storey car park.

The proposed re-opening of retail coincides with market day in the town centre but the market has been open for two weeks now and traders have put safe systems in place to protect customers and themselves.

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “We are delighted to welcome shoppers back to Fareham town centre after almost three months of most shops being forced to remain closed to keep everyone safe.

“This is another important step on the road to recovery for the economy locally and nationally, but it is important that people respect the social distancing measures that are in place and do their bit to maintain their own good hygiene by regularly washing their hands and using hand sanitiser where it is available.

“I know that a lot of people are keen to have the shops open again, as am I. I am also very much looking forward to seeing the town centre busy and active again, but with visitors and shoppers keeping safe.”

ENDS