OPEN for business – pubs, cafes and restaurants are welcoming customers back to Rugby town centre after the latest easing of Covid restrictions.
They can now host groups of up to six indoors, or up to two households meeting together, having been closed apart from for takeaway meals and drinks, or outside service, for many months.
Rugby Borough Council (RBC) has welcomed the latest changes, which came into effect on Monday (May 17), and which mean much of Rugby’s town centre is now open.
The council’s growth and investment spokeswoman Coun Jill Simpson-Vince said: “It has been a long wait for many of our businesses, but I am pleased that lower Covid-19 case numbers and hospital admissions mean that they have been able to open once again.
“Pubs, cafes and restaurants are an important part of our town centre economy, providing a destination for leisure visits as well as making essential shopping a more enjoyable experience.
“Rugby’s businesses have been very good at following the relevant Covid-secure guidance throughout the pandemic, so I know that they will make sure they operate safely until restrictions can be eased further.
“I’d ask all Rugbeians to make sure they stick to the rule of six, wear face coverings where appropriate and follow the Covid-secure measures that each business has set up. By doing what’s right for Rugby we will be able to keep on towards taking the next step in June.
“It’s great to see the town centre reopening and we all look forward to welcoming residents back over the coming weeks.”
In addition to the hospitality industry being able to open for indoor service, indoor soft play areas and indoor sport venues have also been able to reopen.
Residents may now visit other homes indoors, provided they follow the rule of six or two households. Groups of up to 30 may meet outdoors.
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information on the government roadmap out of lockdown.
RBC is currently developing a new Rugby Town Centre Spatial Strategy, a blueprint for the regeneration of the town centre over the next 15 years.
The council has joined forces with strategic real estate advisor Avison Young, masterplanners Allies and Morrison Urban Practitioners, and transport planners Urban Flow to develop the strategy, which focuses on retail, residential, leisure, transport and tourism.
