Ryedale District Council is launching a ‘Welcome Back to Ryedale’ campaign to remind citizens to explore, enjoy and support local businesses that have reopened safely.

Six businesses in the district that have either won awards, or are well-established are taking part in the video campaign. It highlights how they’ve reopened safely after COVID-19 restrictions and what they’ve got to offer citizens and visitors.

The businesses featured are Lutt and Turner by Yo Bakehouse and Kemps General Store in Malton, Television House in Pickering, Claridges and Ryeburn of Helmsley and the Home Decorating Centre in Kirkbymoorside.

There’s also a video featuring the key safety measures put in place by Ryedale District Council to help citizens and visitors feel safe as they return to the market towns. This video includes an interview with Ryedale District Council’s Town Centre Ambassador, Adrian Hamilton and Environmental Health Manager, Robert Robinson. They both give insight into how well Ryedale businesses are doing to comply with Government regulations.

Jo Allen, Manager of Lutt and Turner by Yo Bakehouse said: “We’ve got lots of measures in place to keep our staff and customers safe. We’d encourage them to come and see us and have a cake and we’ll make you feel as welcome as everybody else.”

Liz Kemp, Owner of Kemps General Store explained: “We’ve got all the safety measures you would imagine and are always looking to do more to keep people safe. We’re a community business and did what we could during the lockdowns to support our customers. Come and visit Malton, it’s got lots to offer.”

Matthew Wilkinson, Owner of Television House added: “We’ve had lots of support from our customers during the lockdowns - it keeps us going. We’ve got key measures in place and we’re happy to welcome everyone back. Come and see us, support the shops in your local town by shopping local.”

Ken Claridge, Owner of Claridges said: “We’re following all of the safety rules as you would expect. We’ve done what we can to support our community throughout the pandemic and want to thank our loyal customers. We’d encourage people to come and see what we have on offer and enjoy the experience of our store.”

David Otterburn, Owner of Ryeburn of Helmsley commented: “We’re following all Government guidance and will stick to that, as our priority is the safety of staff and customers. Hopefully the local community will continue to support us, as they have done throughout the pandemic. We’re always here for them. Helmsley is a wonderful place to visit, so come and see us.”

Marie Atkison, Owner of the Home Decorating Centre noted: “We took on bigger premises to be able to give our customers more space and to help us meet COVID-19 safety measures. The community has been very supportive. We’re all small independent shops run by local people. People give, and we give back to the community. Hopefully that support will continue.”

To help citizens, businesses and visitors feel safe in Ryedale, colourful lamppost wraps have been rolled out in public areas to remind people to protect each other by following coronavirus rules and guidelines. Hand sanitiser stations are in prominent places in the town centres and stencilling, marking out two metre safe distances, is on pavements in busy areas. Posters reminding people about the guidelines have also been put up. The safety measures are funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the Welcome Back Fund. 

Phillip Spurr, Programme Director for Economic Development, Business and Partnerships for Ryedale District Council explained: “Businesses in Ryedale have been exemplary in sticking to Government restrictions and continue to do what they can to help keep citizens and visitors safe. They’re reopening now after a difficult and ever-changing time and it’s vital that citizens explore, enjoy and support local businesses.”

The videos will be shared at: www.ryedale.gov.uk/covid-19-2020/welcome-back and on the District Council’s Twitter and Facebook pages: @RyedaleDC and www.facebook.com/RyedaleDC