Here is everything you need to know about shopping in Harrogate this weekend

Thinking about venturing into town this weekend now shops are finally open again, but not sure what to expect?
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Big queue of shoppers in Harrogate town centre plus latest news on who's reopening

Well look no further - we've compiled a guide on all the things you need to know, including parking, social distancing measures and how things might look a little different than what you're used to.

Social distancing:

Queues outside Victoria Shopping Centre earlier this week.Queues outside Victoria Shopping Centre earlier this week.
Queues outside Victoria Shopping Centre earlier this week.
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Social distancing signs and directions depicting safer routes have been put up around Harrogate as non-essential shops have now been allowed to reopened their doors.

Businesses have been sent 'toolkits' containing the safety measures in a bid to keep shoppers and traders safe.

Council 'ambassadors' will also be out on the high streets to give out safety advice.

Coun Graham Swift, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development at Harrogate Borough Council, said: "Many of our retail businesses are pulling out all the stops to be ready to open safely and we are doing everything we can to support their efforts.

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"We know we are at the start of a long road, but we are committed to working with businesses to progress the district’s economic recovery in the months ahead."

Barriers to widen sections of footpath for social distancing have been put in place on some streets in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon.

Many shops have placed signs outside to help customers adhere to social distancing when queueing and limited numbers of shoppers are allowed inside at one time.

Customers and staff are expected to keep two metres apart at all times and many shops will have stickers on the floor for guidance.

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Shoppers are being advised to be patient as long queues are expected.

Hygiene and safety:

Hand sanitising stations have been installed across the town centre and shoppers are asked to make sure they are using them, as well as washing their hands, regularly.

Protective screens have been placed at some tills, with many staff wearing masks and gloves.

Shoppers are also being encouraged to pay by card or contactless where possible, with some shops not accepting cash payments.

Public toilets:

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Harrogate Borough Council has confirmed some public toilets will reopen from this Saturday.

Toilets at Harrogate Library Gardens, Harrogate Valley Gardens, Knaresborough Bus Station, Conyngham Hall, Ripon Bus Station, Ripon Spa Gardens, Pateley Bridge, Southlands car park and Masham will all be open this weekend.

Parking:

Commuters and shoppers heading to Harrogate should get ready to pay for their parking again.

Council bosses have confirmed that charges at the district's 28 car parks, as well as on the street, have been reintroduced as shops have reopened.

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It comes after all charges were suspended in March to support key workers.

NHS staff, health or social care workers and NHS volunteer responders will still be able to park for free, as long as they display their NHS permit or another valid form of evidence.

The charges will be reintroduced at all council car parks in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Pateley Bridge.

The council is urging motorists to use the AppyParking app in Harrogate, which is available for on and off-street parking.

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Anyone needing to pay by cash is asked to use hand sanitiser before and after using the parking machine to minimise their risk of catching or spreading the virus.

Anyone with an expired permit should visit Harrogate Borough Council's website or call 01423 500600.

Food and drinks:

Bars, cafes and restaurants are not expected to open their doors again until next month, though some have reopened for takeway food and drink only.

Marconi, Prego, Weetons, Baltzersen's and Cold Bath Deli are just some of the cafes which are offering takeaway options.

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Are you planning on going shopping this weekend? Email your experiences to [email protected] or let us know on Twitter or Facebook.

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