NORTHWICH is getting ready for the return of more visitors to the town with restrictions set to ease further from Monday, April 12.

The next step on the government's roadmap out of lockdown will see non-essential retail stores able to re-open as well as outdoor hospitality, hairdressers, beauty salons and gyms and leisure centres.

With partners Barons Quay and Northwich Town Council, The Northwich BID has developed a 'Welcome Back to Northwich' campaign which will see posters and marketing materials located throughout the town which thank people for shopping local.

As part of a ‘Welcome Back to Northwich’ campaign to thank people for supporting local businesses, 500 goody bags will be handed out to shoppers across the town centre.

This will take place at 10:00am in Barons Square, 11:30am on upper Witton Street, 1:30pm in the temporary outdoor space behind Natwest bank and then again at 3:00pm opposite Barons Quay Social.

The bags will feature an assortment of different gifts, treats and items from Northwich businesses with the likes of Crafty Stitches, The Bird & Hat, River Island, BEAR, Boots, Superdrug, Hollins and Hollinshead and Kanya Bistro giving lucky shoppers vouchers to spend in each store.

It’s all part of a wider campaign to thank people for shopping local and to also raise awareness of the importance of visiting the high street to give Northwich’s businesses a boost, after having had to close for so long due to Coronavirus restrictions.

As well as the giveaway, Welcome Back to Northwich will see posters and signage displayed throughout the town and the delivery of a social media campaign.

Key messages will also be relayed about the need to remain aware of the current Covid-19 guidelines and how crucial it is for all visitors to Northwich to be calm, respectful and patient as businesses welcome back customers once more.

Speaking about the wider reopening of the high street and the giveaway, Northwich BID Project Manager Adam Gerrard said: "The Northwich community has done a fantastic job of supporting local businesses throughout the pandemic, whether that’s been through buying online, getting deliveries, ordering takeaways or simply raising awareness, and together with Barons Quay we wanted to do something to say thank you for that loyalty.

"We can’t wait to see people returning to Northwich to shop, eat, drink and visit their favourite businesses again who have worked so hard to get ready to reopen.

"We would ask everyone to still be mindful of the social distancing rules and all other guidance relating to Covid-19 when visiting Northwich to ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable time for all."

Barons Quay Centre Manager Lina Higuita echoed Adam’s sentiments, saying: "This is the first significant step on the government’s roadmap for retail and hospitality and so we wanted to celebrate and say thank you to local people.

"From the April 12 all of our retail will be open and Wildwood, The Coffee House and BEAR are ready for alfresco dining and have takeaway options for people to enjoy.

"We are very much looking forward to a vibrant summer in Northwich and I hope that the community will support local businesses and shop local whenever possible."