One-way pavements and hand gel points among these Leeds centre safety changes for June

With non-essential shops and businesses expected to reopen next month, Leeds City Council says it will put in ‘a range of recovery measures’ to help people observe social distancing rules as the UK covers from the pandemic.

The authority added that a one-way walking system would also be introduced in narrow streets and arcades around the city, while public benches will also be free to use but only when observing two-metre social distancing rules.

It follows the Prime Minister’s announcement earlier this week that non-essential shops may reopen from June 15 as part of the gradual relaxation of lockdown rules.

A statement from Leeds City Council claims changes to the city centre will see new signage in place in busy areas such as Briggate, reminding people of key information and the need to maintain two-metre social distancing, while there will also be hand sanitising stations in place for the public.

On narrow streets and arcades a one-way system could be introduced, with markings in place and visuals to assist the public.

It also claims guidance has been given to businesses to help them operate safely, including ways to manage safe queuing outside shops, while the public messaging encourages people to use contactless payment wherever possible.

Leeds City Council and Leeds BID street cleaners will also carry out ‘enhanced cleaning in the city centre’.

In areas where pedestrian access has been widened, barriers will be in place with supporting signage while lamppost banners around the city centre will also reinforce the key safety messaging.

Road projects on The Headrow, Corn Exchange and Park Row have already included plans to increase pedestrian space, with wider footways, and more outdoor space for street cafes.

Leeds Station and Leeds Bus Station have also adopted a range of measures to keep those who need to use public transport for essential travel only as safe as possible.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: “Getting our city centre and district centres back open again will be a key priority in the weeks ahead, however it needs to be done in a careful and controlled way in order to keep everyone safe.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in creating and implementing this plan, and I’d like to again thank the people of Leeds for their resilience and ask that it continues in terms of following the rules and adhering to the two-metre social distancing especially. Things may look a bit different in our public spaces, but if everyone follows the rules they will be safe places to work and visit as we start the process of recovery in Leeds.”