A CAMPAIGN to help businesses throughout the district survive and recover from the economic effects of COVID19 has been launched by Craven District Council.

The Reopening High Street Safely (RHSS) project will help residents and visitors to feel safe in Craven, when lockdown restrictions lift and more businesses re-open.

Focusing on the key shopping areas of Skipton, Cross Hills, Bentham, Grassington, Settle and Ingleton, the project will highlight the work being carried out by businesses and the local authorities to make communities Covid-safe.

The project has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the Reopening High Streets Safely scheme.

Richard Foster said: “We are fortunate to have a wealth of brilliant businesses in our communities. But we know full well that this has been a very difficult time for the local economy.

“We’re pleased to have received the Reopening High Street Safely funding, which will help us communicate all the positive work being carried out by businesses and the local authority.

“At the moment, national restrictions mean people are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, and many businesses are temporarily closed.

“However, many of our local businesses are offering online shopping and click and collect services, which means you can still support Craven companies. And when these national restrictions are lifted, we want to encourage people to shop locally in the knowledge that it’s safe to do so.”

Under the current national restrictions, essential shops are still open but non-essential retail is closed, and hospitality businesses are closed except for takeaway services. The national lockdown is currently scheduled to apply until December 2.

Clear signage has been put up in public areas around the towns reminding people of the importance of respecting social distancing guidelines along with new bollard sleeves in Grassington, hand sanitiser stations, and planters in Ingleton, Bentham, Settle and Cross Hills.

Signage in all high streets is being increased to reinforce the social distancing message. New resources on the Craven District Council website outline the current government guidelines and interpret them specifically for the local area.

Skipton BID is also running a Christmas campaign “All Things Bright and Beautiful” aimed at providing a safe and secure environment in the town, while still promoting the festive spirit.

A social media campaign will be launched with the hashtags #ShopSafeCraven, #EatSafeCraven, #DrinkSafeCraven and #StaySafeCraven.

Residents and businesses can access further information on restrictions is on the council’s website at: https://bit.ly/39dX0vn