New signage promotes social distancing in town centres
Poster information
Posted on: Monday 28 September 2020
New pavement signs and posters for shops have been created to encourage people to social distance while shopping in Bridgend town centre, Maesteg and Porthcawl.
The new signage replaces the temporary signs installed earlier this year as part of measures to make town centres safe for everyone to return and support local shops and businesses.
The signs feature different designs and include queue markers which have been placed outside shops, posters for shops to specify how many customers are allowed in their shop at any one time, and remind shoppers of the need to wear a face covering, and signs for lampposts.
They have been funded by Bridgend County Borough Council as part of the local authority’s ongoing support for businesses at this time.
With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing and now the greater restrictions in place in Bridgend county borough, it is more important than ever to be aware of the need for social distancing and face coverings.
It is important to note that, while the pandemic restrictions are in place, our town centre businesses remain very much open and we should continue to support local traders while taking every precaution to socially distance and stay safe.
This initiative has been a partnership approach between the local authority and various business organisations, including the Maesteg Business Association, Porthcawl Chamber of Trade and Bridgend Traders Forum.
The council’s cabinet member for regeneration Charles Smith
Tracy Priddy who runs Maesteg Shoe Repair and is part of the Maesteg Business Association said: “We’ve had a fantastic response from businesses in Maesteg town centre who are displaying the posters in their windows and have requested queue markers to help keep customers safe.
“The town is really busy at the moment and the floor markers are a good way to remind people that the virus hasn’t gone away.”
Businesses who would like a PDF of one of the new posters detailing how many customers are allowed in their shop at any one time can email the town centre manager andrew.highway@bridgend.gov.uk
For people who wish to show that they do not have to wear a face covering, Welsh Government has created an exemption card template which can be downloaded from their website.
The guidance around face coverings states that those who have an age, health or disability for not wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence on this and that this includes exemption cards. It adds that no person needs to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about their reason for not wearing a face covering.
However, for people who may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering, the Welsh Government says people could show an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign. It adds this is a personal choice and is not necessary in law.