Councillors give verdicts on businesses across borough re-opening

To prepare for increase in footfall, the council is putting place signage and markings to help with queuing and social distancing on its footpaths and precincts, and providing businesses on how they can open safely.

As part of the recovery, the council announced plans to change roads to encourage active travel in order for people to walk and cycle safely into and through towns.

Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “We want to make it as safe as possible for people to work in, and visit, our town centres.

“Waiving parking charges is just the first step in our longer term recovery plans, making sure that town centres come back stronger following the virus, in order for us to achieve our blueprint ambitions for both Huddersfield and Dewsbury.

“It’s essential we do what we can to support businesses during this recovery period, which is why we want to make sure town centres are safe and attractive spaces - through innovative art installations, messaging that positively reinforce social distancing guidance.”

Liversedge and Gomersal Conservative Group Leader, David Hall said: “It will be a relief to many, both shoppers and shop workers, that the government is finally able to lift some lockdown restrictions imposed upon most retailers.

"The council has an important job in advising shops how best they can re-open safely, and in working with the police and other partners to ensure that all safety measures are adhered to.

“In the long term, the council will have to consider whether town centres will necessarily have the same functions as they do now, given that shopping habits may have changed irrevocably. My fear is that we rush ahead with Town Centre regeneration plans which are not based on what town centre visitors want."

John Lawson, Cleckheaton's Liberal Democrat Group Leader, said: "It's vital workers feel safe when they are doing their job."