Coronavirus outbreak: Chesterfield Borough Council services update – 26 June

As we move into the recovery phase of our response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak Chesterfield Borough Council will continue to assess and respond to new requirements and will modify service provision in line with the latest Government guidance

Chesterfield Town Centre open for business

Chesterfield Borough Council is delighted to see more people visiting the town centre and indulging in some retail therapy as more shops and market traders return to the high street.

As lockdown restrictions continue to be eased more shops are re-opening, and with footfall in the town centre on the up, the council is encouraging residents to support Chesterfield’s businesses by shopping local to give a real boost to the high street.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s great to see so many people back shopping and supporting our town centre businesses.

“Throughout the pandemic, Chesterfield residents have continued to visit the town centre in ever greater numbers to buy their essential goods and with the easing of the lockdown we want many more to embrace and support our #ShopLocal campaign.

“Chesterfield has a fantastic range of independent retailers as well as well-known high street names so there’s lots of choice for shoppers. To find out more about our markets and for the latest town centre updates visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk.”

As more retailers open and more traders return to the market, the safety of those who live, work and shop in Chesterfield town centre is the council’s number one priority. People visiting the town centre will notice a number of physical changes that the council has introduced so that everyone feels safe and can enjoy their shopping experience whilst following social distancing guidelines. The council’s town centre ambassadors are also on hand to help people navigate the new arrangements and ensure that everyone has a great time.

With more people now visiting the town centre, the council has also now re-opened the public toilets located in the Pavements Shopping Centre, with arrangements in place to ensure that safe social distancing can be maintained alongside extra cleaning and hygiene measures. Shoppers can access these toilets between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

The public toilets in the Market Hall are also open, between 9am and 4pm Monday to Saturday.

Free advertising for Chesterfield businesses

To help support local businesses that are re-opening, and to showcase Chesterfield as a great place to visit, the council is offering retail, hospitality and leisure businesses the chance to take out free listings on the VisitChesterfield website until 31 March 2021.

Councillor Kate Sarvent said: “We know things have been tough for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses over the past few months. It is hoped this advertising opportunity will assist them with the process of reopening and provide a timely sales boost.

“VisitChesterfield aims to promote the town and its businesses to potential tourists as well as local residents, so this free advertising provides a great opportunity for these businesses to let customers, both old and new, know that they are back open for business.”

Independent businesses who are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity should visit www.visitchesterfield.info/advertising, complete the application form and send it to events.promo@chesterfield.gov.uk along with high resolution landscape images of their business.