Partnership awareness day for face covering rules

October 27, 2020

Southend Business Improvement District (BID) teamed up with partners for a targeted face covering awareness day on Friday 23rd October.

In a bid to raise awareness of the legislation requiring face coverings to be worn when entering shopping centres, Southend BID Street Rangers worked alongside the Southend Town Centre Policing and Community Safety teams to patrol both The Victoria and The Royals Shopping centre to talk with shoppers.

“Both centres in Southend have worked hard to promote face covering policies. As restrictions and measures continue to change around the country we decided to work alongside the centre managers and local safety partners in a bid to educate shoppers about the current rules and encourage everyone to put on their face coverings before entering any shopping centres.” said Suzanne Gloyne, Southend BID Manager.

The Victoria Shopping Centre and The Royals Shopping Centre welcomed the additional support to raise awareness of the legislation with Dawn Jeakings, Centre Manager for The Royals Shopping Centre, saying: “At The Royals Shopping Centre we have kept a constant eye on Government legislation, installing the appropriate signage and projecting reminders via our tanoy system.”

She added: “It is more important than ever to abide by these rules, so that we do not see our town face further local restrictions. We already work very closely with our Town Centre Policing team and other partners so together let us keep ourselves and others safe by helping to control this virus to keep our town thriving and ‘open’.”

Adding to this sentiment, Dennis Baldry, Manager of The Victoria Shopping Centre, said: “Please wear your face covering before entering the Victoria Shopping Centre, such a simple thing could have a huge impact on someone’s life.”

Community Safety Manager, Jon Gurel urged visitors to continue following the latest advice: “Please play your part by continuing to follow the latest Government advice in regards to face coverings and help make the shopping experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone involved. The Community Safety Team will continue to work with businesses and the public to provide advice and assistance in regards to Covid-19.”

Sergeant Mint of the Southend Town Centre Police team added: “We know these are really challenging times but your efforts do make a difference and we want to thank you for continuing to take steps to protect yourself and others. We will continue to engage with people, explain the regulations, and encourage people to do the right thing.

“Where reasoned attempts to encourage someone to stick to the guidelines have been unsuccessful, and where necessary and proportionate, we will take enforcement action.”

For more information about the Southend BID, visit www.southendbid.com. For the latest news of what’s happening throughout the town centre and seafront click on www.visitsouthend.co.uk, like the Facebook page @VisitSouthendonSea, or follow @VisitSouthend on Twitter.