Sandbach residents have been urged to say 'hi' to the high street and support local businesses as we emerge from the lockdown.

The Cheshire East Council campaign- backed by £339,533 in funding from the European Regional Development Fund- will encourage residents to shop safely.

Frank Jordan, Cheshire East Council's executive director for place, said: "It is fantastic news that our town centres have begun to open up again, after what has been an extremely challenging year for businesses, but it is important that this is done in a safe way, given the ongoing pandemic.

"Businesses have been working extremely hard to prepare for their reopening, to ensure they help stop the spread of the virus and are in line with the government's Covid-secure measures.

"But residents also have a hugely important role to play; firstly by keeping themselves, loved ones and other members of the public safe by wearing a face covering where necessary – including in shops – making sure they sanitise their hands and maintaining social distancing."

As part of the campaign and with the support of town councils, Cheshire East Council will be making posters available to local businesses that feature Covid-safe messages and will also be launching a series of videos on social media showcasing the borough's 11 town centres.

Mr Jordan said: "It's time for people to say 'hi' to the high street and be welcomed back by the familiar faces of our local business owners.

"It is more important than ever that we now support local and help businesses to get back on their feet.

"Our town centres offer so much more than a simple transaction – shopping local offers a more personal experience that you cannot get online and there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction, which is something we have all missed during the pandemic.

"You can also be assured that by shopping local, you are playing an important role in boosting the local economy and supporting our local communities and the livelihoods of local people."

For more information on the initiative, you can visit the council's dedicated webpage.