With coronavirus restrictions slowly being lifted, Lichfield District Council is working to make sure residents are confident visiting their local high streets.

As part of the Reopening High Streets Safely project, which is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the council is launching a #LoveLocal campaign.

The campaign aims to promote Lichfield city and Burntwood town centres and other high streets across the district, while reinforcing messages around social distancing.

With bars, restaurants and cafés, along with visitor attractions, museums and libraries set to reopen from 4 July, the council is keen to encourage residents to support their local high streets and attractions, while remembering the importance of keeping a safe distance from others, keeping hands clean, wearing a face covering on public transport and other safety advice.

Councillor Liz Little, Cabinet Member for Major Projects & Economic Development, said: “Our #LoveLocal campaign has two aims, to support businesses across the district and to promote visiting our commercial centres safely.

“We have missed our bustling high streets since lockdown began, and I know everyone is excited that more of the venues we know and love will be reopening soon. That is why we want to support our high streets while reiterating how important it is that visitors behave responsibly and follow social distancing.

“Many organisations are coming out and asking everyone to support their local areas - across Staffordshire we have Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP’s Shop Safely in Staffs, and locally there is Lichfield Looks Forward. It shows we all want to back our traders and get our local economy going again.”

The #LoveLocal campaign will feature posters, banners, social media ads, information leaflets, as well as queue waiting stickers and window vinyls for local businesses to use.

This is one element of how the council is using the Reopening High Streets Safely funding. A part-time information officer has also been appointed who will work along with other council officers to help local businesses implement safe working practices and create a safe shopping environment for visitors.

This is just the first phase in making the district’s commercial areas covid-secure, and more measures will come forward in the coming months.

To find out more, go to www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/lovelocal.

Click Here to download the #LoveLocal poster for display.