Peterborough residents urged to shop local this Christmas

Many shops which had remained shut during the second COVID lockdown re-opened this week, and Peterborough Christmas shoppers are being encouraged to support the business during the festive season and beyond.

Late night shop openings in the run-up to the festive period have been organised in the city centre to give shoppers reassurance that they can avoid the crowds and ‘shop local’ this Christmas.

Peterborough City Council is reminding residents of the safety precautions that are in place in the city centre to help you shop as safely as possible:

Marshals on hand to provide advice and guidance on social distancing restrictions

Signage reminding people to wear face coverings (unless they are exempt from doing so) and to stay a safe distance away from others

Extended shopping hours (8am to 8pm) at many city centre shops to help shoppers beat the crowds - check before you attend that the shop that you want to visit has these in place

City centre markets - A Continental Market will be in the city centre from 10 to 13 December, a Farmers Market on 11 and 12 December and a Vegan Market on Saturday, 19 December

Councillor Marco Cereste, cabinet member for street scene at Peterborough City Council, said: “Our city centre shops and restaurants have had a difficult year. Following the spring lockdown, we did have some recovery, however this doesn’t make up for the months they have been unable to trade.

“Travelling to and shopping in crowds is a risk to social distancing and of course is dependent on others behaviour. However, Peterborough City Council and traders are trying to minimise this risk where possible. We remind those visiting shops in the run-up to the festive period to adhere to the social distancing guidelines and to ensure they are wearing a face covering where required, unless they are exempt, to protect themselves and others.

“So please come and visit our city centre, but do so safely and follow the important Covid-19 advice and guidance being given.”