We are working to support businesses as they begin to reopen from Monday 15 June, with practical measures to help manage high streets and ensure that customers return to shops, confident that it is safe to do so.
Based on the criteria set out by the Government, Thanet District Council is working with key partners including the Town Councils and business representative organisations to deliver practical support for local businesses.
A dedicated information page for businesses is available on the council’s website or by contacting the Council’s support line on 01843 577330 from Monday. Businesses can also contact the Kent and Medway Growth Hub for guidance.
The support includes high street signage, making direct contact with businesses, a dedicated webpage and downloadable materials that highlight social distancing and navigating public spaces. There is also an information campaign for the public about the measures being put in place to protect them and how they should behave.
The focus of the temporary changes will initially be the high footfall locations listed below, with a phased approach as more businesses reopen:
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- Ramsgate (High Street and Harbour Parade)
- Margate (High Street, Old Town and Marine Drive)
- Broadstairs (High Street)
- Cliftonville (Northdown Road)
- Birchington (Station Road)
- Westgate-on-Sea (Station Road).
The council is set to receive £126,456 from the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund to help adapt public spaces and communicate the changes.This new £50 million fund, allocated from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), has been introduced for all councils in England to help local businesses establish safe trading on the high streets. Receipt of this funding is dependent on it being used to support very specific activities in line with guidelines.
Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr Rick Everitt said:
“From June 15th, retailers will be able to welcome back customers for the first time in over two months. This grant money will help us to better support them in opening as we follow government guidance through the recovery phase of this pandemic.
“Our high streets are an important part of the Council’s Recovery Plan. We are working with partners, including our town councils and Kent County Council, on how best to re-open and allow the district to continue its recovery whilst minimising risks to visitors, employees and business owners.”
For advice, the Kent and Medway Growth Hub Covid-19 business support hotline is open now on 03333 602 300 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6.30pm). From Monday 15 June, Thanet District Council’s support line 01843 577 330 will also be available (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday).
Our high streets are cleaned 7 days a week from 6am. In advance of Monday 15th, we have thoroughly cleaned (weeded, litter picked, swept both manually and mechanically and removed fly-tips) Station Road in Westgate; Margate High Street; Northdown Road; Station Road in Birchington and Broadstairs High Street including the roads leading leading off from the bottom such as York and Albion Street. The street cleaning of Ramsgate is being managed by the Town Council.
