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Thu 11 June 2020:
Your regular update from Reading Borough Council on our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how you can help |
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A message from Reading Borough Council leader Jason Brock
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The Government’s decision to allow non-essential shops to reopen from 15th June is the clearest indication yet that we are moving towards a new normal, and we are ready to welcome shoppers back to the town on Monday along with our wide range of businesses who help make Reading the thriving town centre it is.
We want you to make your journey count though, so see below for how to find out if the shops you wish to visit will be open.
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We are excited to see residents have the chance to once again support our many businesses and outdoor traders and know we can rely on you to follow the most important advice to help the experience be a pleasurable one for all of us:
- Welcome back, but please visit safely
- Observe social distancing at all times
- Respect the new pedestrian one-way systems – you can read more on where these are situated below.
With government guidance being to avoid using public transport where possible (and making the wearing of face masks compulsory if you do), we are encouraging people to walk or cycle when travelling around town, which will help maintain the positive environmental impact that has been observed recently due to reduced emissions from a decline in car journeys. Changes are being made to help pedestrians and cyclist get around town more safely, and you can read more on that and general travel advice below.
Hygiene is at the forefront of everyone’s minds at the moment, and we are encouraging visitors to be proactive and look after yourself by bringing your own hand sanitiser with you to complement those being provided by a number of businesses at the entrance to their shops.
There will be a reassuring presence around town from Monday, with help will on hand for visitors around the town centre via Reading Business Improvement District wardens, three or more pastors and Thames Valley Police as part of a co-ordinated team approach between Reading Borough Council, Reading UK and Thames Valley Police to assist the public. All three groups will be on the move, offering a welcome, reassurance and advice to help facilitate a safe visit.
We look forward to welcoming you back to support the local economy, safely, from Monday. More detailed information on the reopening can be found at https://www.reading.gov.uk/towncentrereopening.
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Make Your Journey Count - Which Shops Will Be Open?
 We are encouraging visitors to make their journey into Reading count by checking in advance when the shops they wish to visit will be open. Please take a look at this useful guide from Reading UK providing details of opening dates for Reading's businesses.
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Travelling In To Reading
 The main advice relating to travelling in to Reading town centre is:
- Government advice is to avoid using public transport where possible due to social distancing guidelines, and if you do need to use it then wearing a face covering will be compulsory from Monday 15th June.
- Reading Borough Council is particularly encouraging people to walk or cycle when travelling around town, to help maintain the positive environmental impact that has been observed recently due to reduced emissions from a decline in car journeys.
- We are making a number of changes to help pedestrians and cyclists get around town safely. These include making some roads one-way to increase space available for walking, and creating more cycle lanes. One part of the work, creating a cycle lane over Reading Bridge, began yesterday and is scheduled to be finalised tomorrow so it is complete in time for the reopening of the town centre. Details of where and when the changes will go live can be found here: http://news.reading.gov.uk/more-space-for-walking-cycling/
- Bus services have increased since 1st June for those without alternative travel means, but with reduced capacity on each bus to observe social distancing. Passengers are advised to use contactless payment.
- Train services are increasing to Saturday levels.
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Social Distancing In Reading - What To Look Out For
 Reading Borough Council has introduced some new measures to help visitors access and navigate the town centre easily and safely, whilst respecting social distancing. These include:
- A number of pedestrian one-way systems are in place to help foot traffic flow safely and easily along Station Road, Union Street, Chain Street, Oxford Road towards Broad Street Mall, High Street up towards Market Place, Vastern Road railway bridge and Caversham Road railway bridge. Please respect these.
- Barriers to direct pedestrians at pinch points, especially busy bus stops
- Painted lines in public areas to help shoppers with maintaining social distancing
Relevant signage will be in place across the town centre, reminding people of social distancing restrictions and asking them to remain vigilant and respectful of all shop staff and other visitors to the town centre.
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KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST COVID-19 RESPONSE NEWS FROM READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
With the latest advice and service information changing regularly, you can keep up to date by following our dedicated page to the Covid-19 response here: https://www.reading.gov.uk/coronavirus
Please also follow us on Facebook and Twitter (links below) for regular updates.
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