At the start of the pandemic people were asked to stay at home to prevent the spread of coronavirus and help protect the NHS.
Now, with lockdown measures gradually being eased, Dudley Council bosses are urging residents to stay local when shopping or enjoying leisure time to help get the borough economy back on its feet.
The call comes as part of the Dudley Deal, an informal agreement between the council and anyone who lives, works or runs a business in the borough.
As part of the Business Deal strand, the local authority pledges to cut red tape to make it easier for borough businesses, with residents asked to do their bit for the “Dudley pound” by shopping locally.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:
We have so much on our doorsteps here in the borough, an offer that is the envy of all our Black Country neighbours and beyond.
We have a brilliant leisure offer in Dudley, with attractions like Dudley Zoo, Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust for fun family days out.
There’s stunning scenery to take in at our parks and nature reserves, including Saltwells which helped us to achieve Geo Park status earlier this summer.
With so many things to do and see right on our doorsteps, there’s every reason to stay local this summer.
Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services, said:
As part of the Dudley Deal we’re doing our bit for local businesses by cutting red tape and simplifying how we work with them.
We’re asking residents to also play their part by shopping local during this crucial period as we come out of lockdown.
It’s been a very difficult time for local firms and they will need our support and our custom to fight back.
Please get behind our businesses and tourist attractions and shop local to help them bounce back.
Whilst people are being encouraged to enjoy leisure activities once again, they are also being reminded to continue to stay safe by adhering to social distancing guidelines, wearing face coverings in indoor locations where required, and washing their hands regularly.
For more information on the Dudley Deal, go to https://www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/your-council/the-dudley-deal/.
Find out more about what Dudley has to offer at https://discover.dudley.gov.uk/welcome-to-dudley/