From Monday 12th April, the steps towards easing of lockdown continue. All retail, outdoor hospitality, personal care, indoor leisure including gyms, libraries and community centres are be able to reopen, as well as most outdoor attractions. Here’s our summary of Marlow reopening…
Free Parking
There will be free car parking in Bucks Council car parks from 12 April through to 11 May to welcome us back into our town centres. Ian Thompson, Corporate Director at Buckinghamshire Council said: “By offering free parking in our car parks, we’re doing our bit to encourage people to support local businesses and come back to shop in our town centres. We want to welcome people back to our High Streets and make it a safe and positive experience for everyone.”
Pubs and Restaurants open for outdoor seating
We have previously published 2 articles, the first covering pubs that were opening today, and the second with restaurants and cafes doing likewise. (Click on the links to read more)
Shops and Businesses open
It was great to see shop doors open, and businesses back in action. At various times, all the barbers had queues of several people outside! Some shops, like Angel and Rocket here had balloons and suchlike, to add to the positivity which you could feel. We spoke to a few businesses:
Runners Retreat told us ” Whilst we have truly valued the support of our local customers , through click&collect and on-line orders. We are thrilled & excited to now be able to open our doors and show of the New Spring-Summer ranges that are now available”.
Sara Hughes , who runs her shop on West Street said “We’ve survived lockdown well with great support for our click & collect service. But it’s just not the same as chatting to customers and sharing stories. It’s so exciting to be opening again today! “
Tamra Booth, Managing Director of Sorbon Estates, told MyMarlow “We are both relieved and excited for our retail tenants as stores re-open in line with the latest guidelines. Lockdown has been challenging for many businesses, but the support that locals have given local businesses throughout the pandemic has been incredible and has further highlighted how amazingly supportive the Marlow community is.
Marlow has been surprisingly active in terms of footfall during the restrictions, but it will be a delight for so many to see the High Street shops busy and open again. Our team have been behind the scenes preparing for the re-opening of shops in Marlow and we cannot wait to see our valued retailers back in business, as well as welcome new stores, including Nova Fine Art, Joseph, and Clarendon Fine Art’s second store. Phase 1 of our regeneration of Liston Court has also completed in the nick of time ready for April 12th, and we really hope residents like the transformation.”
Lucy Taylor, Retail Director of “Joseph” which opens today, said, “During the pandemic we have seen shopping habits change with consumer choosing to shop local. In response we are bringing JOSEPH to local high streets with a series of pop-ups.
We are incredibly excited to be opening our first pop-up store in Marlow. This is our first out of London stand-alone store and we could not have chosen a more picturesque and charming town to introduce this new concept. JOSEPH is looking forward to welcoming our existing customers back in store and introducing the brand to a new customer in Marlow and the surrounding areas.”
Bunting – delayed from original plans
Marlow was originally planning to celebrate the easing of lockdown and the opening of shops by putting up our fabulous traditional bunting in the town centre. But, with the sad death of The Duke of Edinburgh it was felt more appropriate to wait another week.
Marlow Library reopens Tue 13th
Marlow Library will reopen from Tuesday 13 April.
Buckinghamshire Council advise that all the libraries have the recommended COVID-19 safety measures in place and at busy times people may be asked to queue. Opening times are also slightly shorter at the moment, but libraries will be increasing these as soon as they are able to do so.
Book borrowing, computer hire, printing and information services will be available – but libraries will be unable to provide newspapers, study areas or group activities. Outstanding loans are extended to the end of April and no fines will be charged before then.
In addition, to support the NHS Test and Trace initiative, staff will ask customers to use the NHS App or provide contact details when they enter a library. However, this information will only be used for this purpose and will be destroyed after 21 days.
Customers planning to visit their local library should check the opening hours by going to Buckinghamshire Council’s libraries webpage: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries
Customers who would prefer not to visit a library in person can use the eLibrary service to borrow books, magazines and newspapers online.
