RESIDENTS are being urged to back local businesses ahead of the next easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

From Monday, April 12 many businesses including non-essential retail, hairdressers, gyms and outdoor hospitality will be able to reopen.

Spinning Gate Shopping Centre has praised shoppers for continuing to shop locally and safely and is preparing for the return of non-essential stores, in line with Step Two of the government guidelines.

The centre has numerous safety measures to minimise the risk of transmission and has an enhanced cleaning regime of touch points.

It is ventilated daily , with staff equipped with PPE and wearing High Visibility uniform to help shoppers identify them should they require assistance.

Karen Cox, manager, said: “Spinning Gate Shopping Centre continue to provide essential shopping for our community in a Covid safe environment.

"All the centre team have undertaken COVID-19 training and are briefed daily on the latest Government restrictions.

"We are all looking forward to the return of our non-essential stores along with the return of our shoppers and as per the Government advice, we are continuing to remind our shoppers to shop local safely in centre with us."

Becca Heron, council director for skills and economy, said: “In late 2020, Wigan Council launched a #SupportLocal campaign aligned with community wealth building, aimed at supporting some of the borough’s smaller businesses from high-street shops to sole traders, helping them to forge connections in their sector and secure new custom.

“As we hopefully continue to loosen restrictions we will drive forward with the campaign and celebrate stories from businesses who have successfully diversified throughout the pandemic while encouraging residents to think about their shopping habits to help safeguard the local economy.

“With April 12 on the horizon businesses can accelerate plans to create or revamp outdoor and indoor areas, preparing them for a positive fresh start and encouraging them to look forward to a new future.

“We encourage residents to support the local economy whenever they are going to shop while remembering to abide by COVID-19 guidelines and respect social distancing advice.

“The council’s business team are on hand to support retailers who may need a helping hand in the run up to April 12.”

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