Shoppers and visitors return to the High Street

Visitors and shoppers are returning to Godalming as the country starts out on its road to recovery following the Coronavirus lockdown.

Godalming Town Council put measures in place to help visitors and shoppers stay safe once shops and cafes started to reopen.

The Temporary Road Order issued by Surrey County Council, which closed the road to traffic during the day to allow shoppers to social distance, has dramatically reduced traffic in the High Street. That move, along with the rainbow-coloured pavement markings, new hand sanitising machines and extra signage, are helping people to feel confident about shopping in the town.

Figures released by the town council show that footfall has increased by 73% from June 30th.

The council says it is "pleased to have seen its efforts rewarded with a progressive increase in visitors to the town".

It is now, in partnership with Waverley Borough Council, seeking funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the UK Government's Reopening High Streets Safety Fund to cover the costs it incurred putting the social distancing and hygiene measures in place.

A town council spokesperson said: "Whilst it awaits to find out if it is successful, the council is underwriting the cost of supporting recovery of the town's retail economy by promoting Godalming as a safe place to shop."

Visit the town council's website to find a list of local goods and services, collated under its Stay Safe Shop Local initiative.