FIFE COUNCIL is urging West Fife businesses to tell them how they can ensure safety in town centres when shops re-open after lockdown.

A survey has been launched for all businesses, aimed at business owners, managers and employees, who are normally open to the public and are based in one of Fife’s town centres.

A plan will be needed for shoppers and visitors returning in different ways with reduced capacity in shops, queuing outside and the potential for some businesses to use outdoor space.

Councillor Altany Craik, convener of the council's economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee, said: “We are developing recovery plans to help address the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on towns and local shopping centres across Fife.

"A vital part of this planning is to support our local businesses as our town centres begin to re-open.

"We’d like to hear about your plans and the support that you need to re-open and trade both safely and successfully as the lockdown eases.

"This will help us to manage our town centres effectively.

"Recovering from COVID-19 will challenge different businesses in different ways and we want to do all we can to help."

In some areas, the council will need to reduce the amount of road space available for vehicles and, in some cases, it is possible that full pedestrianisation will need to be in place during fixed hours.

It's part of a range of measures being looked at which also includes measures to support walking, wheeling and cycling.

Fife Council aims to support the town centre business community and visitors by taking into account, where possible, the various needs of different user groups including businesses.

Cllr Craik added: “The council is working hard to support a range of business sectors in town centres including retail, hospitality and leisure, culture and public transport and we want to hear from as many businesses as possible on what the main issues will be for them.”

The short survey is available to be completed online at www.fife.gov.uk/tc-recovery-survey and closes on July 6.