SHOPS, restaurants and entertainment venues in County Durham and Darlington saw a boost in visitors following the reopening of indoor hospitality in May – but footfall remained below levels before the Covid pandemic, new figures reveal.

There is, however, hope that the final lifting of restrictions on last week – dubbed “Freedom Day” – will give the High Street the “summer boost it needs”.

The figures showed in County Durham average activity across these areas was 30 per cent below normal levels across the two weekends – May 8-9 and May 15-16 – prior the lifting of restrictions on indoor hospitality on May 17.

On the Saturday and Sunday of the Spring Bank Holiday on May 31, increased activity meant it surged to 2 per cent below normal levels.

Then across the final two weekends with data – July 3-4 and July 10-11 – footfall fell to 13 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.

In Darlington, average activity across these areas was 29 per cent below normal levels across the two weekends – May 8-9 and May 15-16 – prior the lifting of restrictions on indoor hospitality on May 17.

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On the Saturday and Sunday of the Spring Bank Holiday on May 31, increased activity meant it soared to 3 per cent below normal levels.

Then across the final two weekends with data – July 3-4 and July 10-11 – footfall fell to 12 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.

The data comes from Google which uses location data from phones and other personal devices to track trends in people’s movement in different parts of their daily lives.

Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We appreciate that the past 18 months have been a tough time for businesses of all sectors across County Durham, so it is positive to see an increase in footfall in recent weeks.

“In the long-term we hope to see visitor numbers return to the levels they were at before the pandemic.

“However, it is vital that both businesses and customers remain vigilant with infection rates still high.

“We want people to visit our towns, villages and city to experience the fantastic retail offering they all have, but please do so sensibly.”

“Please take the opportunity get both vaccinations at the earliest opportunity and follow the guidance.”

In Darlington, councillor Alan Marshall, cabinet member for economy, said: "While restrictions have been lifted and footfall in the town centre has increased there are still people who are nervous about mixing in busy retail and hospitality settings.

"This is entirely understandable given the impact of Covid-19 over the last 16 months.

"However, support has been given to many businesses in the town centre and the feedback from many of them is extremely encouraging.

"To attract more people to use our town centre the council has a fantastic events agenda together with some exciting projects being completed, including the enhancement of the yards between High Row and Skinnergate, and the opening of the newly refurbished Indoor Market with its street food stalls, bar and entertainment space."

"In the meantime, we continue to support businesses and hope that residents and visitors alike will come to the town centre in increasing numbers to use the great range of retail and hospitality offers available whilst continuing to be respectful of others and understand that some people are still nervous of going about their normal activities."

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