NORTHWICH'S high street is gearing up to welcome shoppers back 'calmly, warmly, carefully' on Wednesday.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is encouraging residents to support the town's traders with a new campaign this week.

Shoppers are still being asked to observe social distancing, cover faces when indoors and wash their hands regularly – while the council has worked with businesses to make sure they are Covid-secure.

Christmas lights and decorations are up across town, while new CWAC 'calmly, warmly, carefully' signs have been placed to encourage residents to stay safe while enjoying the festive spirit.

Cllr Karen Shore, deputy leader at CWAC, said: "We are expecting a busy few weeks leading up to Christmas, we appreciate how tough it’s been for our high streets and understandably some shoppers can be nervous returning to shops.

"Please come back to our shops and leave yourself more time, as there may be queues.

Northwich Guardian:

"Be careful, by keeping two metres apart and remembering to wear face coverings and washing your hands regularly. There will be a warm welcome waiting.”

CWAC has been jet washing high streets and street furniture to make the town as safe as possible, while CWAC's 'capable guardians' – uniformed high street information officers – are on hand with guidance and support.

Cllr Shore added: "There has been a lot of work with partners including Northwich and Chester BIDS and Marketing Cheshire to make sure there is a safe welcome as our high streets reopen.

"Since the summer we have had a team of capable guardians helping businesses and the public on our high streets.

"Over the past few weeks we have also increased the number of co-sign radios for our businesses, these are mainly used to help with security issues but during the pandemic, the capable guardians can be called for help with queue management or for other practical assistance."