Social distancing works with city fountains turned off to be introduced as Peterborough retailers

The £6 million Cathedral Square fountains will be turned off to give shoppers more space in the centre while new social distancing signage and floor markings will be put in place to keep people apart.

Extensive cleansing of bins and benches, wider pavements, extra bicycle storage facilities and the promotion of an open air cafe-style culture are among the many measures set to be introduced in Peterborough as shops prepare to thow open their doors again.

The works are being carried out by Peterborough City Council in the wake of the Government’s announcement that non-essential shops could begin reopening from June 15.

Councillor John Holdich, the council leader, said: “The last few months have been tough for businesses, but we’ve got a strong economy and retail offering and are positioned better than most to weather this storm.

“We will be working closely with local businesses, Peterborough Positive, Opportunity Peterborough and the Combined Authority over the coming fortnight to ensure businesses feel supported and we will be reorganising sections of the city centre and putting up clear signage to help residents to socially distance.

“What we’re asking from residents in return is to walk and cycle into the city centre where they are able to do so, to be considerate of other shoppers and staff and to continue to stay at least two metres apart from one another, as they would when they go to a supermarket.”

He said the works will include the promotion of an open-air café-style culture, including the Guild Hall and St Peter’s Arcade, with bars, coffee shops and restaurants expected to open in the summer.

Other measures will include reorganised spaces in car parks, a health and safety audit of Peterborough City Market and widening of pavements to encourage people coming short distances into the city centre to walk and cycle.

Clear signage and floor markings will be installed to encourage people to stay apart and avoid close contact.

And to help with this, the Cathedral Square fountains will be turned off to create more space for shoppers to socially distance.

Cleansing will be further enhanced by Aragon Direct Services with in addition to the regular hot wash of the city centre and a daily cleanse of all benches and bins.

Daily bench sanitising will also be carried out.

The funding for the new works will come from a £50 million created to ensure the safe re-opening of cities and towns.

Tom Hennessy, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough, said: “We’ve been in close communication with businesses over the past weeks and we know the Government’s announcement that non-essential shops can begin to re-open from June 15 was well received.

“No one is going to pretend that the past weeks have been easy for businesses – we’re supporting businesses as much as we can with one-to-one advice and information that will keep them and their customers safe, but also helping them adapt their business plans to ensure their survival.

“We will also help source enough PPE, plastic screens and clear signage ready for their re-opening.”