Partnership working ensures town centre is safely open for business

Merthyr Tydfil town centre is safely up and running again, thanks to a partnership approach by the County Borough Council, businesses and police.

The Council, the Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil, St Tydfil’s Shopping Centre and South Wales Police Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf have pulled out all the stops in ensuring returning shoppers feel safe using the town centre.

The local authority has given more than 50 businesses - including retail, hairdressers, pubs and cafés - Personal Protective Equipment including gloves, hand sanitiser, facemasks and visors, and floor stickers.

Signage has been erected and floor markings implemented across town to remind people to keep their distance. Work is also being carried out in the bus station to remove barriers to help maintain social distancing and pedestrian flow. 

Police officers are out and about in the town centre, carrying out enforcement to ensure pedestrian safety and help maintain social distancing. They have also been issuing warning notices to any vehicles parked or driving through the pedestrian area.

Throughout July, the Council, Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil and St Tydfil’s Shopping Centre are running a marketing campaign to encourage residents and visitors back into the town centre through messages including:

• Please be kind - you never know what someone has been through the last few months
• If you’re in a queue, strike up a conversation
• Be patient with the person serving you
• Shop independent
• Stay safe for you and for others

Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Public Protection Cllr Geraint Thomas said: “Working together, the four organisations have prepared the whole town centre to re-open safely and confidently.

“We’re now urging our residents to come back to the High Street and help our businesses to recover and flourish once again.”