NEXT Monday is a big day for shops in Ludlow as many will be opening their doors for the first time in nearly three months.

New guidelines allow non-essential shops to reopen but with strict rules that will make shopping a very different experience to how it was before March 23.

It is not before time for many businesses that have already lost an important trading period during the spring.

Members of Ludlow Chamber have stepped forward to help support other businesses in preparing for reopening after Covid 19 closure. Since the government have announced reopening of non essential shops on the June 15 there are many questions that need answering. Therefore, for the hundred businesses that make up the Ludlow Chamber, there is help on hand.

This will involve businesses in the town helping each other to adapt to a new normal that will include social distancing and major changes to the way in which shops serve their customers.

With many small shops there will have to be limits on the number that can be inside at any one time.

Where practicable shops and other businesses will put in place one-way systems so that as far as possible customers do not walk past each other.

Screens may also be placed around tills.

Clothes shops will not be able to use changing rooms and there will have to be rules about how goods can be handled and a need for regular cleaning.

Some shops may ask or even insist that customers pay by card rather than with cash.

The chamber has set up a group that will be able to offer advice. It is looking for a volunteer from the hospitality sector to join it.

To offer to join the group contact Jodie Deakin, Chamber Secretary ludlowchamberoftrade@gmail.com