A COUNCIL has written to dozens of shops asking about their plans to reopen as the coronavirus lockdown is eased.

Ribble Valley council officials have contacted more than 250 high street retailers in the borough.

The government has said non-essential shops can reopen from June 15 if their bosses demonstrate their premises are ‘Covid-secure’.

Council officials are seeking advice on how best to spend £53,771 from the government’s Reopening High Streets Safely Fund on a range of measures including signage, street markings and new routes for traffic.

Cllr Stephen Atkinson, leader of Ribble Valley Council, said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on our retailers and it is imperative that they have the opportunity to get back to business.

“But it must be done in a way that ensures retailers, their customers, pedestrians and road-users remain safe.

“We are delighted that we are going to be able to reopen our high streets in the coming weeks and are contacting retailers to understand the best way to implement the necessary safety measures.”