Alcester has reopened for business

Bunting and flags are waving a warm welcome to visitors to Alcester as this historic festival town is officially open for business once again.

Whilst essential High Street businesses have remained open throughout the lockdown period the retail shops, hospitality and business premises had to close back in March.

Like elsewhere in the country the enforced lockdown was a difficult time for residents and businesses, but the community resilience never wavered and Alcester Town Council is happy to announce, and make it clear that the town is very much open for everyone.

To aid Social Distancing requirements a temporary one-way pedestrian pavement scheme has been introduced alongside easy customer queuing outside of shops.

The High Street is beautifully adorned with bunting, flags and hanging baskets to give it a welcoming feel to the Town. As an added bonus to visitors, parking is completely free in Alcester.

Our many Cafe's and Gastro Pubs have outside seating, table service and all social distancing measures in place with many supporting the 'Eat Out To Help Out' scheme.

Amongst the 120 businesses in and around the High Street there is a specialist ice cream shop, ladies fashion stores, beauty salons, cabinet maker, antique shops, gentlemen's outfitters, bridal studio Artisan baker, and exclusive delicatessen.

The popular WI Country Market has returned and takes place every Friday between 8am and 1pm.

The Greig Leisure Centre in Alcester has also reopened its doors for members of the public with Covid-19 measures in place and the Kinwarton Road-based centre is currently operating with a reduced list of activities and available spaces - www.everyoneactive.com/centre/the-greig-leisure-centre

Gill Forman the Mayor of Alcester said: "Alcester has so much to offer visitors, so we want to make sure that we champion the town and let people know exactly what is available.

"From shopping to a rich history with over 140 listed buildings and structures, our town has a huge amount on offer for people to see and do and now everything is back up and running once again we would love to see everyone come along.

"Social distancing measures are in place in the streets and in businesses, so people do not have to worry and can visit safely."

Businesses are currently being supported through the promotion of the safe reopening of the High Streets in response to Covid-19 through the Government's Reopening High Streets Safely Fund which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

European Regional Development Fund

The project has received £116, 036 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding