Social distancing around Cheltenham has become a little bit easier - if you just look down at your feet.

Cheltenham BID has been supplying two-metre social distancing stickers to businesses which are open or preparing to return to trading as coronavirus restrictions are eased.

The stickers are appearing at banks and building societies, pharmacies, food and drink retailers and takeaways inside and out - placed on pavements they are helping to manage external queues.

And they are popping up outside the Business Improvement District with some even making it as far as Bath.

The effort to help Cheltenham get back to business has earned Cheltenham BID the distinction of being named a Punchline Business and Community Champion - an initiative backed by GFirst LEP, the Growth Hub, Gloucestershire County Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

BID director Kevan Blackadder said: "It is so important that as people start to return to town centres, they can do so safely.

"While we are concentrating on the BID zone, we have been happy to help out other businesses as well because it is so important that people can be confident when they being to start shopping again.

"Thank you to Punchline for giving us the award, which we are delighted to receive. Huge thanks to our digital and communications executive Maria Allebone and operations manager Belinda Hunt for the work they have done with me on this."

More stickers will be appearing this week with John Lewis among those who will be receiving them for use outside their High Street shop while Gloucestershire County Council will be using their own versions on pavements in city and town centres across the county.

And do not be surprised to see Cheltenham BID stickers if you make it as far as Bath with opticians Ellis and Killpartrick supplied with stickers for their branch in the city after using them in Regent Arcade

You can get social distancing stickers for your business by contacting info@cheltenhambid.co.uk 

Send us your inspiring stories - you don't have to write them, just tell us about them and we will do the rest. Email beth@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk 

Punchline's Business and Community Champion Awards are sponsored by:

GFirst LEP

https://www.gfirstlep.com 

info@gfirstlep.com 

The Growth Hub Gloucestershire

https://www.thegrowthhub.biz 

talktous@thegrowthhub.biz

Gloucestershire County Council

https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk 

customerservices@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

Gloucestershire OPCC

https://www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk 

01452 754348