Hospitality trade’s welcome return

Our vibrant city is blooming into life once again, which will help to protect our local economy, not only local businesses, but also the jobs of thousands of city residents who are employed in the service industry.

In the city centre, we expect roughly 50 per cent of pubs, bars and restaurants to open their doors.

Others, understandably, will wait a little longer until they can make the necessary changes needed to their buildings to make social distancing a reality.

You can rest assured the council will continue to work hard, along with Opportunity Peterborough and the combined authority to keep services going, residents safe and well and to keep the city moving.

Along with providing advice and guidance to businesses, we are also talking with them individually to give opportunities to extend outside their building to allow more tables and chairs on the street and in public places like Cathedral Square and Bridge Street.

By following the government’s advice and relaxing planning laws - where we can - we hope to introduce a café culture, similar to those you see in European cities which will make the most of the summer months. This will give businesses the space to situate tables further apart, without losing customers and we hope will provide residents with the confidence they need to feel safe.

I’ve spoken to many residents over the past couple of weeks, either on the phone, by email, or out on the street (while observing social distancing). I know many of you can’t wait for a refreshing pint in a pub beer garden, or a well-earned night away from the kids at your favourite restaurant.

However, I also know that there are many that feel a little more cautious about this ‘new normal’ and of venturing outside of your own locality.

If you do decide to come to the city centre over the coming weeks, we’ve put together some advice to help inform you on what to expect which is on our website.

My top tips would be to phone or research online to make sure that the bar, pub or restaurant you want to visit is actually open, and whether or not they are accepting bookings only and to walk or cycle if you are able.

Car parks will be open – council car parks will be free until 13 July – and to be aware that if you’re taking public transport or a taxi you may be required to wear a face covering.

Whatever you decide to do over the coming weeks, remember that the Covid-19 virus hasn’t gone away completely, so stay safe by following the official guidance.

This includes staying 2m apart from people outside of your household, or from this weekend 1m plus where 2m is not possible, regularly washing hands, working from home where possible and wearing face covering on public transport, in shops and other locations.

In addition, it’s really important that people use the NHS Test and Trace service, to help track and contain every case of coronavirus in our communities.

If you get symptoms you need to isolate immediately and then book a test at www.NHS/coronavirus and if you don’t have internet access dial 119. If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace, instructing you to isolate, you must do so. And remember, be smart, stay apart.

Peterborough City Council’s Honours Panel is set to agree to honour and commemorate the lives of two men who both achieved great heights in their lifetimes whilst living and working in our city.

Discussions are underway on a commemoration for Peter Boizot MBE, founder of Pizza Express and former owner of Peterborough United who sadly died in 2018 and a suggestion has been made to install a blue plaque outside the Town Hall for Dean Peter Peckard, who assisted in the abolition of the slave trade before he died in 1797.

Both men have played a 
key part in both our city’s and our nation’s history and it is only right that this is not forgotten.