Hundreds of Telford businesses spoken to about Covid compliance
Telford & Wrekin Council teams have spoken to more than 430 businesses in the borough regarding Covid-19 rules enforcement.
The council’s cabinet, which meets on February 18, is due to recognise the work of its public protection team in its work during 2020 to protect and support residents and businesses.
A new report says that more than 430 businesses have been contacted about Covid-19 enforcement and compliance, sometimes involving joint visits with West Mercia Police.
The report also mentions anti-social behaviour and environmental crime; civil parking enforcement, which the council has had responsibility of for just over a year; consumer protection; licensing and food hygiene.
By the end of March there will be more than 400 CCTV cameras feeding into a new control room in Oakengates. Telford & Wrekin Council is investing £200,000 into the scheme and the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner is investing £245,000.
Council officers visiting shops, pubs and businesses in Oakengates last year:
The council has responded to more than 450 complaints from residents about problems with goods or services that they have purchased, while food hygiene inspectors aim to complete 200 inspections of food businesses that are allowed to stay open during the pandemic.
Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for enforcement, said: “The pandemic didn’t stop our important work in keeping people and businesses safe – in fact it has enhanced it.
"In addition to the work originally planned in implementing a new borough-wide CCTV system and continuing to tackle environmental crime and anti-social behaviour, our officers moved quickly to enforce the Government’s Covid restrictions while also helping businesses stay open legally and safely when they were allowed to do so.
“We always pride ourselves on being on the side of our residents. The work of our public protection team is vital in keeping our residents safe.”
