Monday, 15^th June will see the return of a number of Mid Devon’s much loved high street shops across all the main towns. Tiverton, Crediton, Cullompton, Bampton, Bradninch and many village businesses look forward to welcoming you safely back to their stores.

With the announcement of non-essential shops allowed to reopen, the Council is putting temporary changes in place to the public realm in order for the local economy to reopen safely. Visitors are advised to take note of these changes and maintain social distancing at all times.

Councillor Graeme Barnell, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, said:

“These emergency measures are the first steps the Council is taking to ensure the safe reopening of our high streets following the coronavirus pandemic. Changes are happening across Mid Devon’s high streets where residents could experience difficulties with social distancing. Some footpaths may be widened with barriers and Council car parks will have clear signage for entrance and exit points to help people walk and shop safely. The measures will make it safer for residents visiting our town centres and kick start the local economy. Independent shops across the district are working hard to implement their own changes to welcome their customers back safely.”

Funding to support the safe reopening of high streets was received from the European Regional Development Fund.

How will it work?

There will be circulatory systems in our three largest towns:

• In Tiverton the Pannier Market area will have separate entry and exit points on all sides, next to Boots pedestrians are asked to keep left and at Westexe North there is a one-way system to and from the shops.

• In Cullompton from Station Road (Forge Way) car park it will be one-way to the shop beside Clarks Court returning via Higher Mill Lane.

• In Crediton from High Street (St Saviours Way) car park pedestrians are asked to keep left in Silbury Place to the shops and on their return.

 

Changes you can expect to see around the larger towns:

• Signage to maintain social distancing: throughout our town centres, car parks and open spaces

• Changes to some paths and walkways: you may see barriers indicating one-way systems and no entry points.

• Signs providing advice at gathering points: such as at bus stops / bus station / seating areas / bicycle parking and ticket vend machines

• Space will be created on footpaths to allow queuing outside shops. Shops will have their own markings and instructions for their customers that you will need to follow.

• Anyone with Covid 19 symptons must remain at home and get tested – do not visit the high street if you are unwell or have been in close contact with another person with symptoms.

• Shops are following government guidelines and putting their own procedures in place.

 

Steve Densham, Mid Devon’s Land Management Officer, added:

'These temporary changes will evolve over the coming weeks to ensure the public are safe in our towns with regular reviews in order to address the local need and on going government advice. The arrangements are there to help us all keep safe and visitors may need to be a little patient nativigating around Cullompton, Tiverton and Crediton'.