Salisbury Business Improvement District

Rainbows mark the way for social distancing in Salisbury city centre

5th June 2020

As Salisbury is preparing to gradually reopen from the coronavirus lockdown, rainbow themed pavement stickers are being installed from today (Friday 5th June 2020) to guide people safely around the city centre.

Salisbury BID, Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Council have collaborated to launch this initiative to help people keep a safe distance when walking the medieval streets of the city, and to provide the community with reassurance that the city is safe, welcoming and open for business.

The pavement stickers will be installed in phases. The first phase will address some of the hotspot issues already identified. More stickers will be installed as the footfall increases and more problem areas become apparent.

Shops who expect queues can get in touch with Salisbury BID if they would like pavement stickers to help manage their queues.

The BID and Councils are working together to help manage footfall safely and coordinate queues outside shops, but people are also being encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety.

To help stop the spread of coronavirus, as well as the 2m social distancing and regular hand washing guidance, the Salisbury community is also being asked to:

  • Refrain from shopping in large groups
  • Avoid touching items unnecessarily in shops
  • Pay for parking using the MiPermit parking app
  • Avoid blocking pavements and entrances to other shops when queuing
  • Remember social distancing applies indoors and outdoors

There are some areas of the city where it will be impossible to keep a 2m distance, especially as queues form outside shops, but the Salisbury community is being asked to be cooperative, understanding and kind as the business community do their best to adapt to the new ways.

Robin McGowan, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID, said: “As people start to return to the city, gaining their trust and confidence is vital. We want people to come into the city to enjoy our outside spaces and to shop with our local businesses, but it’s really important people feel safe and reassured so that they have a pleasant experience and will continue to come back.

“If people identify areas in the city centre that need our intervention to help keep the community safe, we’re encouraging them to get in touch directly with the City Council and the BID so we can quickly address the issue.”

Cllr Jeremy Nettle, Leader of Salisbury City Council said: “As shops start to re-open from 15th June, we’re expecting more footfall in the city centre and it’s really important that the community know we’re thinking about their safety.

“I think the pavement stickers are a great initiative to help keep residents safe and remind people to keep a safe distance. I really love the rainbow theme of the pavement stickers and I hope the designs will provide some reassurance and positivity to the community.”

Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council, added: “It’s vital we support our local businesses as they start to get back up and running and these vibrant pavement stickers will give them and their customers confidence that they can shop safely. More safety measures will be implemented in the city soon.”