Support packs available to help South Northamptonshire businesses reopen safely

The support packs include social distancing posters and floor decals.

Just over £80,000 of European funding has been given to South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) so it can support the reopening of firms in the area.

The support packs include social distancing posters and floor decals, and are being delivered to high street businesses across the region.

Councillor Dermot Bambridge, portfolio holder for environmental services at SNC, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for business owners, facing forced closures, financial pressures and staff shortages.

“It is understandable that the prospect of reopening with new safety measures in place may cause some concern.

“And it is not just about COVID-19 protection – there are issues like ensuring that water systems are safe as there is a risk of Legionnaires’ disease from water system stagnation.

“We’re asking businesses to read through the Government advice for their particular sector and our environmental health team are ready to answer any questions which arise.”

The Government has produced guidance for different types of business to help them assess risks and work safely during the pandemic.

Businesses which reopen will not be inspected automatically, but the Government advice requires them to display a poster at their entrance confirming they have read and implemented the guidance.

The £83,000 of funding that has been allocated to SNC comes from the European Regional Development Fund – as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Councillor Stephen Clarke, SNC’s portfolio holder for growth and regeneration, added: “Small businesses are an essential component of the local economy. Our high street retail outlets employ local people, supply important services, and are key to encouraging visitors to the district.

“We will be working hard to support them and get the South Northants economy back up and running.”

If business owners have any questions, then the environmental health team at South Northamptonshire Council can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling 01327 322312.