Authorities and businesses in Kingston and Epsom are making final preparations ahead of the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions on Monday, April 12.

Both Kingston Council (RBK) and Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) issued advice and guidance for residents ahead of the upcoming reopening, while shops in both boroughs readied themselves to welcome customers back again after months of lockdown imposed to help suppress the spread of Covid-19.

In line with their 'roadmap' of gradually reopening the UK economy in a way that minimises the risk of another wave of Covid infections, the government have said that non-essential retail and business including clothes shops and salons can reopen on Monday, while pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve food outdoors once more.

RBK officials said they were "delighted" to be on the cusp of reopening the borough one stage further on Monday and told residents they were working to make it as safe as possible.

"We are delighted that businesses across the borough can now reopen, it will be fantastic to welcome shoppers back to our town centres and high streets," Nazeya Hussain, executive director of place at RBK, said.

"Kingston has so many vibrant local businesses, and we want to say thank you to all those who have supported our communities throughout this pandemic."

Iona Lidington, the borough's director of public health, meanwhile urged residents to continue following basic Covid safety precautions and get tested to help keep infection rates low.

"While cases of COVID-19 are decreasing, the virus has not gone away," she said.

"We all still have a vital role to play in stopping the spread of the virus by following the rules and remembering the life saving prevention behaviours of hands, face, space and fresh air.

"We want to make sure Kingston stays open and that we can all support and enjoy our wonderful local businesses in a safe way.

"Everyone can also now have free twice-weekly rapid result tests, for people without COVID-19 symptoms.

"This will help stop on-ward spread and thereby keep levels of the virus in the borough as low as possible. Check our website for information on where you can get these tests, and please help us to continue to Keep Kingston Safe."

At Bentall's Kingston, managers prepped shoppers by highlighting a number of new brands and store spaces coming on April 12.

"Upon reopening, two-hour complimentary parking will be in place when spending £50 or more in store (until 31 May)" the shop announced.

Lee Taylor, store director, added: "We’re really looking forward to welcoming people back to Bentalls safely on Monday 12 April.

"Our absolute priority remains the safety of colleagues, customers and our communities, and we are urge everyone to continue to follow the guidelines and shop safely.

"We’ve been working hard to make the store look it’s best for reopening and will do so with a host of new experiences, new brand launches from the likes of BoConcept, Ergo and Start-Rite.

"This is the first of lots of exciting new things coming to Bentalls in the coming months."

Meanwhile in Epsom and Ewell, the council urged residents to shop local and support businesses where they live.

"It’s vital we support our own communities. By buying your meat from a local butcher, purchasing from one of the new stall holders at Epsom Market, opting to use the shops at Stoneleigh, ordering a takeaway from restaurant in Ewell and getting a haircut at one of the many shopping parades across the borough, you will provide much-needed support to your local community," an EEBC spokesperson said.

"Research form the campaign group Independent Retailer Month, suggests that for every £1 spent locally around 50p - 70p of that money recirculates back into the local economy.

"That’s why the Council’s 'Shop Safe, Shop Local, Shop Epsom & Ewell' campaign is encouraging residents to shop safely and buy locally wherever they can," they added.