Bicester residents take to town as lockdown eases

Non-essential shops have opened for the first time since March, taking on board safety measures from the Government.

People in Bicester took to the streets and said they were comfortable with shopping.

Bicester resident, Fran Portlock , said: "I think that most Bicester people have been following the rules, all my shopping experiences have been quite pleasant.

"Social distancing is working, and the atmosphere in shops is quite pleasant.

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"I know there has been a few issues with people from out of town, but all in all I say well done Bicester."

Another resident, Nat Saulsbury, said: "I went in on Monday and it was fine. The shops are being sensible with how many people are allowed in and there are cleaning stations everywhere.

"We didn’t go into many shops, but the ones we did were fine."

All business owners have a legal duty to ensure the safety of staff and other persons in the workplace, including reducing the risk of transmission of Covid-19.

Bicester resident Leigh Booth commented: "I went to the Nike store on Monday and the inside of the store was fine - limited numbers, staff spraying the counter and card machine between customers.

"The problem was the queue and the people in it."

A host of safety measures are in place in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington centres.

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People will see that Cherwell District Council has installed signage reminding people to stay two metres apart wherever possible.

But some residents are concerned about the lack of social distancing on Sheep Street, where a lot of shops and banks are located.

Lisa Hodgson said: "I've been in once and never again. I was totally shocked by the lack of social distancing of the general public - I was terrified.

"Once inside the shops or banks they are doing an amazing job, but it's a free for all on the high street."