Supporting businesses and residents as lock down rules eased.

Havering Council’s enforcement and public protection teams are out across the borough again this week helping to support local businesses and residents stay safe.

It comes as the latest milestone in the Government’s roadmap sees many non-essential shops such as hairdressers, retail and beauty salons, plus hospitality venues reopen for outside custom, from today, [Monday 12 April].

This week, we will have:

• 50 Covid Marshals on duty per day
• Daily visits by our public protection officers to businesses so they can remain open safely
• Council officers working alongside the local police to provide support in enforcing any flouting of the rules.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council’s officers have been visiting and talking to businesses to ensure they have the right measures in place to keep their staff and customers safe.

This includes daily visits and patrols in town centres and high streets.

Since March 2020, they have visited over 4,000 businesses, while Covid Marshals have spoken to over 123,000 people since they were introduced in November last year, as part of the Council’s fight against COVID-19.

Where necessary, the teams will take enforcement action against anyone breaking the rules, with the support of the Metropolitan Police.

To help residents shop local and give a boost to businesses, the Council is providing free parking in all Council-owned car parks and on-street parking bays for four weeks from today, until 9 May.

Councillor Viddy Persaud, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Safety, said:

“This latest milestone, which will see many of our businesses re-opening, means after months that we can welcome our residents back to our high streets and town centres. “But it’s important to remember that COVID-19 has not gone away. While restrictions are lifted, everyone must continue to do their bit to help keep each other safe.”