SHOPS and businesses across the conurbation will start reopening today – as lockdown measures are further relaxed.

In a bid to kickstart the economy, all non-essential retailers are able to open for the first time since March, as long as they can follow safety guidelines designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.

And visitors to town centres and district high streets will see lots of eye-catching signs put up by BCP Council across the area encouraging people to safely social distance.

The chief operating officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Paul Kinvig, told the Bournemouth Echo: “This is a hugely important day for our town centre and indeed all town centres and high streets as we try to get back to business.

“Many people have been working incredibly hard to prepare for this, not least the retailers themselves and other businesses to make sure it is a safe and reassuring environment for visitors and staff alike.”

Steve Reilly from Poole BID said: “Poole BID’s recovery plan is fully focused on marketing Poole town centre and quay as the place to shop, eat and drink as we all adjust to the new normal.”

Echoing similar sentiments of businesses and towns across the county, he said: “This is a long-awaited big day for everyone in Poole.”

Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes – which normally contribute millions to Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch’s economies – are still waiting to see what the future holds for them.

Hospitality industry leaders say unless the two-metre distancing rule is relaxed, outlets will struggle to make even a third of normal revenues.

Indeed, non-essential shops may be reopening across Dorset, but don’t expect crowds as in pre-lockdown days.

Many retailers may take more of a phased approach to reopening.

Bournemouth Town Centre BID chairman, Martin Davies, himself a business owner in the town centre, said: “If the lockdown has shown one thing it is that we are predominantly sociable creatures.

“We don’t fare well shut in our own little boxes.

“There is opportunity for us to build on what has happened and to bring people into the town centre to socialise and interact provided we do it in a safe way.

“Post lockdown there will be a demand for interaction experience and contact, albeit socially distanced and the businesses that can offer a genuine experience will be the ones to take advantage of the opportunities.”