New signs, longer queues, one-way systems and marshals to help you stay safe – welcome to post-lockdown shopping.

Traders and shoppers across Medway are eagerly awaiting the re-opening of "non-essential" shops in our high streets and retail centres.

But while shopkeepers are looking forward to tills ringing again and customers keen to splash out after three months lockdown, the message is remain safe and cautious.

The government's announcement that non-essential shops can open their doors on Monday has been welcomed by Medway Council, keen to get the economy moving again.

Cllr Jane Chitty, who is in charge of economic growth, said:"Clearly, all shops and businesses have been under huge strain and uncertainty. This is a small step but has to be a positive one. We are talking about people's livelihoods and taking this away has been tough.

"It really highlights the value of our high streets not just on a business level, but a social level.They are part of our everyday life.

"The internet is great, but we need human interaction – a thank you, a nod, a smile, it's what makes us tick."

The council is installing a range of safety measure to comply with government guidelines.

The authority says the new signs, street markings and temporary barriers are being put in place to ensure Medway's high streets are ready for businesses to open and trade safely.

It has been awarded £246,000 from the government's Reopening High Streets Safely Fund to help with practical measures to protect staff and shoppers.

At the Pentagon, staff will be monitoring the number of shoppers who come in and out and operating a one-way system.

The cleaning team will be sanitising all touch point areas regularly and hand sanitising stations will be installed for the public to use throughout the mall.

Other measures will include limiting the amount of people in the lifts at any one time. Public seating within the centre will also be removed to limit shared touch points.

Shops will be operating their stores in line with their company policies and every store will have a queuing system where necessary.

Centre manager Charlene Malone said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming our shops back next week. Our essential stores over the last few months have done a fantastic job in keeping shoppers safe and well.

"With the measures we’re putting in place ahead of the next week, we are confident that we’ll be able to maintain those social distancing standards. I know our local community will be on board and observe the social distancing measures we’ve put in place."

Staff at Chatham's Dockside Outlet Centre – where three outlets including its anchor store, The Range, have remained open – are stepping up health and safety policy.

Centre manager Anthony Sutton said he expected some businesses to re-open on Monday but it was up to the individual tenant, who may feel they would not profit from it.

With social distancing measures, the footfall could be slashed dramatically from the usual 1,000-plus customers on a Saturday to between 300 and 400.

A one-way system is already in place to accommodate customers and the side entrance to the centre through The Range has been sealed off. The number of toilet cubicles have been reduced from 15 to seven and warning signage is in place.

Mr Sutton said: "Dockside at Chatham Maritime has been open throughout the lockdown so customers could access essential retailers. As the government provides additional information and regulation covering the reopening of general retail shops and destinations across the UK, we are incorporating their guidance that into signage that we will place inside and outside the centre.

"The signage will reassure, remind and assist shoppers with the government guidelines."

Meanwhile, plans have been submitted to turn the vacant Sports Direct premises into a cafe serving food and drink, with an under-used area above Choice clothing store as an outdoor seating area.

If approved by Medway Council's planning committee, it would be the first "intentional" venue meeting government guidelines in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tables on the terrace would be placed two metres apart and accommodate small groups of people.

The idea is to work with the government guidelines as or when they allow outdoor dining while being able to offer a takeaway delivery option as well.

Mr Sutton said: "With the changes that we are all experiencing we have been talking to independent food offers who would normally trade at festivals and outdoor events to create an environment that offers a wide selection of different foods.

"We are proposing to utilise a large unit with an outdoor area to allow people to socially distance and dine when permitted. We are monitoring government guidance at all times and when allowed we will look to open this area to allow people to choose from a different selection of food offers either in person or delivered."

Hempstead Valley is also gearing up for business. A statement reads: "We are aware that a number of the retailers that have remained closed are preparing to reopen.

"We would like to ask our customers to take note of the new signage in place at the centre and to follow the instructions from our members of staff, who at times will be assisting with queue management for the safety of all customers, retailers and those working within the centre."

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