Dewsbury and Batley MPs rallying for ‘great fight back’ as businesses re-emerge

Dewsbury & Mirfield Tory MP, Mark Eastwood, is leading the charge for the town after shops and stores re-opened on Monday for the first time since closing in March.

As many members of the public socialise for the first time in three months, social-distancing rules are still in place and Mr Eastwood is asking people to keep a distance in order to avoid a second spike of the virus.

Mr Eastwood said: ”This has been the most challenging period for shops and high streets in our history.

“I know the toll in the last few months, and [reopening] marks the first steps in what I believe will be our great fight back.

“Retail workers in Dewsbury and Mirfield have been working around the clock to ensure customers can shop safely again.

“Still, we all have a part to play - please remember, maintain social distancing at all times, follow necessary hygiene measures, and respect shop staff.

Instead of visiting enclosed shopping centres, I’d encourage all to visit the market, support our retailers and shop local.”

Fellow MP Tracy Brabin also gave her view on north Kirklees businesses reopening wider on Monday and town centre businesses re-awakening as lockdown restrictions were eased.

The Batley and Spen Labour MP said: “Being able to reopen will be a huge boost for businesses in Batley and Spen, which have had little-to-no income in the past few weeks.

“We have so many independent shops who have been impacted by social distancing and the Government lockdown, so being able to trade again is great news for them.

“Shoppers will be keen to get back onto the high street and support local retailers, but we must all ensure we keep social distancing and take care when out and about.”

“In Batley and Spen we have brilliant manufacturers who have felt the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown, from difficulty sourcing materials, problems importing and exporting, and a massive drop in demand.

“The reopening of shops will hopefully lead to an increase in demand so our businesses can get more staff back into the workplace and production.”