To support local businesses and retailers, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is working in partnership with Surrey County Council as they start the planned work on the North High Street footway next week. This follows guidance from the government stating that construction work should continue if it will benefit the economy. 

The current paving is in a very poor state and at the end of its life. It is to be replaced, creating a better and safer environment. This is the section of footway from Waterloo Road to the Marquis of Granby pub in central Epsom. This paving will match the new paving in South Street and the Market Place.   

The work was due to start this month but was put on hold at the time when most county council construction activity was halted due to Covid-19. However with the government’s emphasis on continuing highway work to support the economy, the county council will undertake these works ensuring that they are carried out in line with central government and Covid-19 safe working practises. 

Councillor Eber Kington, Chair of the Strategy & Resources Committee at the borough council said “The retail sector has been devastated by Covid-19. We are doing all we can to help local businesses. It is imperative that we create a safe, pleasant environment for shoppers to visit when the present situation is over. 

"The clear guidance from government is that some projects can resume with necessary measures put in place. The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents, communities and contractor workforce are of paramount importance and we will closely monitor the work." 

Notes:

On 30 March, Nadhim Zahawi, under-secretary of state for business, reaffirmed that construction work must continue to help the economy survive the coronavirus pandemic. This was widely reported across the media.

The latest guidance from government is that construction work should continue, with the appropriate safeguards in place including safe Covid-19 working practices in accordance with the Construction Leadership Council Site Operating Procedures, endorsed by Public Health England

The progress of the project may alter as national guidance continues to evolve over the coming weeks.