12,000 face masks to be handed out to Northampton town centre businesses

Business Improvement District (BID) levy paying shops and retailers have so-far been given 4,300 free masks.

It comes as face coverings have become mandatory in shops and supermarkets across England since Friday.

Northampton town centre Business Improvement District (BID) is aiming to distribute 12,500 disposable masks to 250 customer-facing businesses in total.

So-far BID has dished out 86 packs, which is 4,300 individual masks, to businesses in St Giles Street, Mercers Row, George Row, Market Square and parts of Abington Street so bosses can give them to customers who have forgotten theirs.

But only BID-levy paying traders, where face coverings are required, will be eligible.

Mark Mullen, BID operations manager, says the short-term initiative was a fast response to concerns from local shop and retail owners.

“We are delighted to have turned this around so quickly to support our local businesses, many of whom were worried that customers might not be aware of the new rules and come shopping in town without their own face coverings,” said Mark.

“Shops and retail outlets have already had months off from trading, so they won’t want to turn people away.

"We’ve made it so they won’t have to do that. Instead they will have a sufficient supply of disposable masks which they can give out for free as a temporary measure while members of the public get used to the new rules.

“In the long-term we urge shoppers to wear reusable coverings, for now though, this initiative will bridge the gap and ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable town centre experience.”

For more information email: [email protected] or call the BID office on 01604 837766.