'It's now more important than ever' to back Sunderland businesses says team supporting city centre

All but stores classed as essential are under orders to close from Thursday, November 5, until Wednesday, December 2, under the second lockdown being brought in by the Government.

The bosses of the Bridges shopping centre have already set out which of its businesses will remain open, with shoppers warned the toilets will close again and its multi-storey car park will shut, with its roof top space to remain accessible.

While shop owners and their staff prepare to shut up for the lockdown, in the hope the virus can be brought under control once again, people have been urged to do what they can to support traders in the city, with those classed as non-essential allowed to run click-and-collect and delivery services.

Sharon Appleby is head of business operations for Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID), which works with shops and other city centre businesses with the aim of making it a vibrant place to visit.

She said: “Once again this is going to be a hard time for both retail and the hospitality industry, but we are coming up with a plan to give them our help and support, along with practical ways to keep their customers engaged during the coming month.

“It’s now more important than ever before for everyone to buy local and support the local economy by buying online or via click and collect or in whatever way they can, within the new restrictions.”

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