A TOWN centre ambassador has been appointed by Ryedale District Council (RDC) to help businesses and residents safely navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Adrian Hamilton has an extensive retail background and experience of helping businesses to adapt, recover and rebuild through Covid-19.

He will be visiting local retailers across Ryedale’s five market towns and larger villages to share knowledge of operating in the new “normal” and provide practical support and signposting.

In addition to being a point of contact for businesses, Adrian will be promoting safety measures and guiding shoppers and citizens in staying Covid-secure.

To help residents, businesses and visitors feel safe in Ryedale, lamppost wraps have been rolled out to remind people to follow coronavirus rules and guidelines.

The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, as part of the Reopening High Streets Safely scheme.

Cllr Keane Duncan, leader of RDC, said: “Ryedale District Council is pleased to have received the Reopening High Street Safely funding, which has helped us to establish a safe trading environment for businesses and customers.

“We hope these additional safety measures will give people the confidence to shop locally and support local traders.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our business sector and they have faced an unprecedented level of disruption.

“As a council we’re doing everything we can to mitigate the impact on our local economy and help our district to recover and thrive.

“The appointment of the new town centre ambassador will offer local businesses a friendly face and a sounding board in what remains an incredibly fast-changing environment.”

To book an appointment with Adrian Hamilton, town centre ambassador, email email adrian.hamilton@ryedale.gov.uk