Businesses in the city have backed Salisbury BID’s #ExperienceSalisburyAgain campaign and are ready to share the message far and wide to entice shoppers to our streets.

The Journal has joined forces with the BID to champion the city as it reopens.

And the BID has been praised for its “instrumental” role in helping traders get through the pandemic, as well as its initiatives to get the city ready for Monday’s ‘unlocking’.

Rachel Tribbeck of HR Tribbeck & Son on Bridge Street said the city looked “lovely” when shops reopened on April 12. She said: “Everyone was so happy to be out and about, being able to come into the shop and have chats again and catching up with everyone’s news. There was just a lovely atmosphere.”

According to Ms Tribbeck the BID has been “instrumental” in making sure businesses access the right information and advice through the whole of the pandemic.

More recently, the team at the BID put together a business toolkit, offering downloadable posters and social media assets to welcome customers back and remind everyone of Covid guidance, from wearing masks to using hand sanitiser. The posters have been very well received, with many traders displaying them in their shop windows.

While businesses and shoppers alike shared feelings of excitement and relief at the relaxing of lockdown restrictions, it’s important residents and visitors continue doing their bit in sticking to the rules, as Robin McGowan, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID, points out.

He said: “It is fantastic our wonderful city is open again and everyone has been considerate and thoughtful.

“At the same time we realise some people will still be concerned about returning to the shops and outdoor hospitality and we want to reassure everyone. That is really important.

“We would ask that every visitor helps us by keeping to the social distancing rules and wearing masks. Some shops will ask people to wait outside – please do this patiently and with respect. As one of our posters says: ‘Let’s be kind. Let’s be patient.’ Thank you for your support.”

The BID’s city ranger Andy Milton has been out and about for the past few weeks making the city centre bright, shiny and ready to reopen. Bunting went up to add to the vibrancy and provided a cheerful feeling for the socially distanced crowds on the city streets in the past few days.

Andy has been cleaning signs, re-painting, and removing old or redundant signposts from the central car park, giving the city centre a real spring clean.

He said: “Salisbury is a wonderful place full of history, heritage and unique independent businesses. In my role as Salisbury BID City Ranger I take pride in making sure the city I love looks its best. I know how much of a difference my work makes to businesses, residents and visitors.”

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