The survey – which has been launched with multiple choice and should only take a few minutes to complete – can be found at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Town-Centre-Resident-and-U…/

Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for local economic growth at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “As town centres begin to reopen, the safety of our communities is our main concern – for businesses, their employees and our residents.

“A range of council services are working together to ensure our town centres are as safe as possible, and that businesses are aware of the requirements for social distancing, so that they can reopen as soon as they are allowed to.

“I would really encourage people to take time to complete this quick, easy survey to improve the information which can help us plan and support the recovery process.

“It will also help the council to understand the impact the pandemic might have had on long-term shopping habits, which were already facing huge challenges. So we are also tracking the process of businesses reopening in our town centres, to see if there is scope for further support to help our towns and communities to recover.”

Over 600 responses have already been received for the survey. Feedback will be used to help with planning the safe management and reopening of town centres as social distancing becomes an essential part of everyday life.

The Government has also launched a new Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, to enable councils to put measures in place in public areas, and support business communities with information, advice and guidance as they prepare to reopen in town centres and high streets which have, before the COVID-19 pandemic, been busy and bustling places.

This can be found at https://www.gov.uk/…/reopening-high-streets-safely-fund-gui…