THE leader of Bolton Council has backed our ‘Back In Business’ campaign and urged shoppers to stay safe as they return to the high street.

Cllr David Greenhalgh said: “I want to start by thanking everyone in our wonderful borough for the vital role you have played during this unprecedented crisis.

“Our amazing key workers and volunteers remain at the forefront of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic and everyone who has followed the rules has helped to stop the spread of the virus.

“Since the start of the outbreak, Bolton Council has been committed to continuing to provide essential services to residents and to ensuring that the most vulnerable have been looked after with the help of our incredible voluntary sector partners.”

While welcoming the easing of lockdown measures, Cllr Greenhalgh reminded people that our streets and shops will look very different when they return.

He said: “As we now approach three months since the start of the lockdown, restrictions continue to be lifted which will help many of our businesses across the borough get back up and running. It is great to see so many of our retailers across the borough welcoming people back.

“Shops in Bolton as well as Blackrod, Farnworth, Horwich, Kearsley, Little Lever or Westhoughton town centres and in high streets in local areas have reopened with social distancing and safety measures in place.

“We have had feedback from businesses that the public are following the guidance and I would like to thank everyone for this. People are shopping in the town centre, visiting their favourite shops and supporting their high street. Please continue to support them, be sensible, and follow any rules businesses have implemented.

“Shops have adapted how they operate. There are now queueing systems in place to limit the number of customers in stores. Some stores are providing hand sanitisers at their shop entrances and if you are using public transport, you must now wear a face covering.

“You will notice that Bolton town centre will look different. There is signage on the pavements encouraging people to keep their distance, Newport Street has been widened to make it easier for shoppers to move around, socially distance and more changes will be implemented in the coming weeks.

“Crompton Place and Market Place shopping centres have reopened with one-way systems and other safety measures in place. Bolton Market’s outdoor trading areas and Lifestyle Hall have also reopened successfully with really good support from the traders and public.

“Watch out over the coming days and weeks as we introduce measures to encourage residents to shop local and support our local businesses in a safe way. Bolton Council is doing everything it can to support the vital recovery of our town centres which have such a massive impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.

“We would ask people to continue to use their common sense and follow the social distancing guidelines.

“Our Business Bolton team has been offering support, advice and guidance to our shops to help them welcome back customers. We will continue to be there for you and all our businesses every step of the way.”