CE reminder on the importance of social distancing

Cheshire East Council has issued a reminder to everyone about the importance of social distancing as it works with partners to get high streets ready for the government's planned easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday 15 June.

Government restrictions are in place to control the spread of the virus, which include social distancing measures with people being asked to stay a minimum two metres apart. The government's guidance is being continually reviewed and the council will adapt and make changes as and when this is amended.

Sixteen towns and larger villages across Cheshire East will see temporary measures installed in and around our high streets. These plans can be seen on the council's website here. These have been informed by positive dialogue and feedback the council has had from town and parish councils, which will continue over the coming weeks.

In Audlem there will be COVID signs at three locations, as shown on the map here.

Where roads are closed, access will remain for residents to get to their homes, businesses for delivery of goods, buses and the emergency services.

Blue badge parking places have been retained, wherever possible, with pedestrians and cyclists being able to access roads that are closed. However, all road users are asked to be mindful of the need for social distancing and to share these spaces with care.

In addition, the council is to reintroduce parking charges, where these apply in the borough, from Monday15 June and a number of car parks will be closed and some parking bays suspended, as part of social-distancing measures.

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways, said: "We would like to thank all the local ward members, town and parish councillors who have worked with us so positively to develop and amend the temporary measure plans for high streets, ahead of their implementation on Monday.

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of= Cheshire East Council, said: "We are making a number of changes and it is important that we explain to people what we are doing and the reasons for those changes, so they are able to plan ahead as necessary".