BEING SENSIBLE DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T HAVE FUN

Folkestone & Hythe will take another step towards normality this weekend, but residents and visitors are being urged to be sensible when having fun.

The shift in central government guidance means additional businesses, including pubs and hairdressers, can reopen from Saturday. However, social distancing guidelines are still in effect to help reduce the risk of further COVID-19 peaks.

And while the latest move is another important step for the local economy – as well as for residents and visitors keen to enjoy the area’s fantastic offering – Folkestone & Hythe District Council (F&HDC) is highlighting the importance of personal responsibility.

Cllr David Wimble, F&HDC Cabinet Member for the District Economy, said: “Naturally we’re delighted that more businesses impacted by the pandemic are now in a position to open their doors once again and I wish them every success.

“Our independent traders have shown extraordinary resilience over the past few months and they have adapted their premises to make them safe for themselves and the public. Supporting them has never been more important so please shop local.

“But everyone has a duty to behave responsibly – for example, you don’t have to drink your local pub dry on day one – so help protect yourselves and others by following the guidelines.”

Play areas under the council’s responsibility are also set to be reopened in time for 4 July.

Officers will be cleaning play equipment regularly, while safety message signage has been erected to ensure equipment across the district can be enjoyed by everyone.

Measures include requests for adults and children to wash their hands regularly, and asking families to patiently wait their turn during busy times to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

Cllr John Collier, F&HDC Cabinet Member for Property Management and Grounds Maintenance, added: “This isn’t a case of telling people they can’t have fun – we know how keen people are to enjoy themselves after what has been a difficult spell.

“But it would be wrong to presume COVID-19 has gone away and the need for social distancing is going to vanish overnight. Please follow the guidance to help the district remain on the right path.”

Elsewhere the Folkestone town centre market has returned and Folkestone Library is one of 12 libraries being reopened by Kent County Council from 13 July. For more information, click here.

F&HDC accessed approximately £100,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (EDRF) as part of the government’s COVID-19 business support package.

This has allowed the council to install social distancing signage on the district’s high streets and popular destinations, develop a business recovery toolkit with information for local traders, and introduce an enhanced cleaning programme.