Hand sanitiser stations and counter screens - How Hartlepool businesses are preparing to reopen

Shopkeepers are putting a number of measures in place to protect people from coronavirus and get back to business including hand sanitiser stations, perspex counter screens and social distancing markers.

Mark Lloyd Jewellery, in York Road, will gradually start to reopen next week after carrying out a risk assessment and putting a ‘click and collect’ style counter in place near the door to minimise direct contact.

Mr Lloyd is encouraging people to make an appointment first and hopes to welcome staff back from July.

The shop is due to reopen on Thursday, June 18, Thursday, June 25, and Friday, June 26.

Mr Lloyd said: “I’ve had emails from people asking when we are open so I know there’s demand out there.”

Backing the Mail's #SupportLocal campaign he added: “It’s vital the town gets behind its local businesses and start using us again.

“I’m sure they will. We’ve had government support but that won’t last forever.”

Reopening on Monday, June 15, after over 10 weeks is Pools Surplus Store on Catcote Road which sells army surplus, workwear, children’s clothing and camping equipment.

Owner Jack Hanlon has installed social distancing markers on the floor, a hand sanitiser station and counter screen.

He said: “We have put safety measures recommended in place. We have also rearranged the store to make it easier for people to move around without bumping into each other.

“We have been shut for almost three months. We have missed the customers and look forward to seeing them again.”

A number of businesses are due to reopen in Middleton Grange shopping centre's indoor market from Monday.

They include Soap & Soul which sells bath products, home fragrance, crystals and alternative jewellery.

Also reopening the shutters on Monday in the market is new and secondhand book and jigsaw stall Us 4 books.

Craft shop Kraft Work in The Arches, on Park Road, is encouraging customers to wear face masks and will operate a one-in-one-out system when it reopens from Wednesday, June 17.

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