Shops in Burnham-On-Sea town centre have re-opened today (Monday, June 15th) as the Government further eases the Coronavirus lockdown.
There were busy scenes in the High Street this morning as the shops re-opened and customers heading in to make purchases while abiding by the safety guidelines.
It is the first time that many ‘non-essential’ shops have been able to open since March when the full lockdown first came into force.
In Burnham-On-Sea town centre, new social distancing signs have been installed on lamp posts and bins this week ahead of the re-opening, as pictured here.
A temporary pedestrianisation of Burnham High Street is set to come into force on Thursday after Somerset County Council’s Highways department gave its backing to the scheme. The plans aim to enable shoppers to socially distance themselves when using the town centre and allow safe queuing on pavements outside of shops while some traders are only able to allow a maximum of 1-2 customers inside at a time.
The Town Council is appointing a street marshall and two street wardens who will ensure the safe movement of shoppers and vehicles in the town centre during the period of the temporary pedestrianisation.
Those shops which are re-opening are having to comply with strict social distancing guidelines, limiting customer numbers inside their stores, and also offering enhanced hygiene controls to keep shoppers and staff safe.
Among the Burnham shops re-opening are:
- GW Hurley toys and book shop will be re-opening Monday June 15th
- The Bag Shop will be re-opening from Tuesday June 16th
- Peacocks will be re-opening from Monday June 15th: New opening hours Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30 and Sundays: 10-4
- The Laptop Shop will be re-opening from 10am on Monday June 15th
- Burnham Indoor Market will be re-opening on Monday June 15th at 9am
- Material Needs will be re-opening on Monday June 15th with opening times of Mon-Sat 9am-5pm.
- Burnham Mobility will be re-opening on Monday June 15th, with hours of 9am to 1pm (Mon-Fri) for drop-in customers and from 2pm to 4pm (Mon-Fri) for customers that have a pre-booked appointment only. Only 1 customer will be allowed in the shop at any one time and you may therefore have to queue outside the shop between the 9am and 1pm period. To avoid queueing, pre-book for the 2pm to 4pm period by calling 01278 773723 or 07496 055771.
- Scott’s furniture store will re-opening on Monday June 15th, with opening times of Mon, Tues, Thurs Fri 10-4 and Sat 10-2. They will be selling everything on display in the shop, noting that most factories are far behind with production and that orders may be delayed. Scott’s also offers free delivery with a free service of disposal of old furniture.
- Shoe Zone will be re-opening on Monday June 15th
- Gorilla Vapes re-opens on Monday June 15th
- Burnham tourist information centre is planning to re-open during July when holiday parks open. A new kiosk area is to be installed in the foyer to keep all safe.
- Treasure Chest on the seafront will be re-opening in around two weeks time once the social distancing measures have been given time to be safely assessed.
A Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade spokesman said: “We are pleased that Burnham’s town centre is starting to re-open again as the lockdown eases.”
“Please support our local shops in Burnham when many re-open on Monday as the lockdown eases. Burnham town centre needs your support more than ever.”
“We are also urging customers to abide by social distancing guidelines, signs and extra measures that have been put in place inside and outside shops.”
“These are there to keep everyone safe – customers, as well as staff. Please show your support for Burnham during these unprecedented times.”
