Pendle News Room

They include shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, electronics, tailors and dressmakers and photography studios.

“Following Government guidance, our outdoor markets in Nelson and Colne have already re-opened,” said Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council.

“Strict social distancing measures are in place to ensure that traders’ market stalls are at least two metres apart and there are clear two metre queue lines for customers.

“And in line with national guidance, we will be reopening Nelson and Colne’s indoor markets from Monday 15 June,” he added.

“Pendle Council has already supported 1,922 Pendle businesses through Government cash grants totalling £20.8 million and we will continue to do all we can to help businesses recover,” he stated.

Dean Langton, Pendle Council’s Chief Executive said:

“We’re working hard behind the scenes to help businesses re-open, protecting themselves, their staff and customers.

“Our Environmental Health Team has been advising businesses on how to safely operate,” he explained.

Any Pendle business needing support as they make plans to reopen can contact Pendle Council’s Environmental Health team on (01282) 662009.

The team tackles complaints about businesses being open which shouldn’t be and those not following safe distancing rules. 

Anyone who is worried that a local business is breaking the COVID-19 rules should let Pendle Council know via our website www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus under the heading report a business.

“Businesses can only re-open if the Government confirms that their type of business can,” warned Dean Langton.

“We are advising businesses to check the latest rules before re-opening and to stay alert to changes in Government guidance,” he said.

Pendle Council’s website has links to Government rules and guidance www.pendle.gov.uk/covidsupport

Businesses who can re-open must meet the Government’s 5 tests to be COVID-19 secure which include:

• Carrying out a COVID-19 risk assessment which is shared with all staff
   
• Having strict cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures to protect against the spread of the coronavirus
   
• Maintaining a 2m distance between staff and customers and where this isn’t possible, taking steps to manage the transmission risk of the virus, such as wearing face coverings.
   
• Once businesses have completed the risk assessment, recorded their findings and implemented their actions they can display a Covid Secure poster to reassure staff and customers that they are controlling the risk of spreading coronavirus.

More advice on which businesses can open and how to do so safely is our Pendle Council’s website www.pendle.gov.uk/covidsupport 

“Now that more businesses are opening, it’s vital that people visiting local businesses keep to the Government’s guidance to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” said Councillor Iqbal. 

The life-saving advice includes:

• Wear a face covering while shopping
   
• Keep 2 metres away from people not from your household
   
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has coronavirus symptoms.  More advice about staying safe is on Pendle Council’s website www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus