Edition 3, July 2020
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Businesses returning to normal in Weardale THE government has announced a further easing of the lockdown, with more businesses able to open from July 4th. With the lockdown having been in place since March 23rd businesses in Weardale have struggled, so it is a relief to find that restrictions are now being relaxed and more businesses can start to open. Sadly, we are a long time from fully returning to normal, and some means of social distancing will remain in place, with masks and screens required in shops, pubs, restaurants and hairdressers for the foreseeable future. Many businesses in Weardale are in the service and hospitality sector which faces further challenges moving forward, as new government guidelines suggest making a number of changes to how they are run. For example, seating in pubs and restaurants should be reconfigured to ensure safe distances with the suggestion that arrivals to premises are staggered. Customers will be also encouraged to book in advance and order food and drink direct to their tables through a smartphone app. In pubs, music should at a low volume to avoid people needing to shout, which increases the risk of transmission of Covid-19. Businesses are also being advised to carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment, to ensure workplace safety, with details shared on company websites. Guidance for hairdressers, barbers and any business where employees work in close proximity to customers say that staff should wear a visor where it is not possible to maintain social distancing and that, where possible,
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Kynren cancelled for 2020 THE organisers of Kynren have announced that this year’s event will not be taking place. The launch of the new Park will also be postponed until 2021. Kynren, described as an epic tale of England that covers 2000 years of history, takes place near Bishop Auckland and has been running since 2016. The show is put on entirely by volunteers and is intended to bring opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses in County Durham. The Park is a new development, expanding the Kynren experience by offering additional thrilling experiences, such as a stunt show and immersive family attractions, such as a maze and adventure playground. Kynren’s organisers have been working on a series of contingency
plans to ensure that the event could take place this Summer, however the ongoing uncertainty surrounding time lines and guidance has meant that the conditions required to open have not been met. This is another blow to the tourism industry in the North East that has seen many sporting and cultural events cancelled due to Covid-19 Ticket holders are being advised that their existing tickets will remain valid for another two years, however a refund is possible by contacting Kynren directly.
Lynne Dent with her visor and screen
clients should be separated by screens. A record of customers and visitors should also be kept for 21 days in order to support a track and trace system. Many Weardale businesses have announced their plans to reopen on Facebook, with much of the response being positive, as people look forward to getting on with doing normal things - and getting their hair cut! Lynne Dent from Woollyback Sew & So’s in Stanhope stocks quality wool, yarn, haberdashery, patterns, buttons and accessories. Lynne spoke about reopening and explained "Customers have been so patient and understanding with regards to the new social distancing measures I've put in place and although it's all new for everyone, as long as my customers are happy and safe, that's all that matters. I'm very flexible in changing anything to make them feel more comfortable." Lynne has a Perspex screen that was created locally in Crook and has customised a visor with little wool characters to make
customers smile as they enter the shop. Stephanie Fishburn who runs Truly Scrumptious and Simply Chic in Stanhope has remodelled her shops to ensure that people will be able to maintain distancing inside. Sadly, the old fashioned sweetshop layout of glass jars is no more, however Stephanie will still be stocking a range of sweets. Michelle Hughes from House of Beauty in Stanhope said "It’s hard because we've had no government guidelines to follow. I have four treatment rooms so I’m fortunate to be able to work at a 1:1 rate and for clients to have a whole room to themselves. Also, beauty has always been a sterile environment, so not too many changes need to be made.” Many local companies have turned to creative means in order to remain in business during the pandemic. The Weardale Adventure Centre in Ireshopeburn offers outdoor activities and has not been able to run any courses during the pandemic. Last month they opened a takeaway café using their catering facilities.
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