Queues, one-way systems and wider pavements are among several measures expected as local authorities prepare for the further reopening of high street shops next week.

Brent Council said it has been advising the non-essential businesses in the borough that can reopen on Monday (June15) of how to keep staff and the public safe.

Measures implemented in supermarkets and pharmacies – such as queuing to reduce the number of people in shops at any one time – are likely to be put in place, alongside Perspex screens and other forms of protection for staff.

The council added that some areas will make use of pavement widening measures to enable shoppers to keep a safe distance from one another – though it did not provide specific details.

It reminded shopkeepers that they can face enforcement action if they fail to adhere to Government guidelines and encouraged residents to report those not doing so through its trading standards branch.

From Monday, shops selling books, shoes, antiques, cards and gifts, mobile phones and electrical appliances, as well as craft and hobby shops, charity shops, photography studios and indoor markets will all also be allowed to welcome customers again.

Cllr Shama Tatler, responsible for business at Brent Council, said: “The easing of restrictions on these non-essential businesses will be a relief to many and hopefully support our valued local businesses, but it won’t be an immediate return to business as usual, as it was before lockdown began this year.

“We have to remember that sadly Brent has some of the highest number of Covid-19 deaths and cases in London.

“It is on all of us to remain vigilant, to maintain social distancing and help stop the spread of the virus.

“We’re here to help our businesses and have been advising them on how to stay Covid-19 secure, but we also stand ready to step in and take whatever action necessary if businesses are operating in a way which puts people at risk.”

In neighbouring Harrow, council officers attending an overview and scrutiny committee last week did not provide full details of their plans, but said they had been working with high street shops on how they can “cope with pedestrian movements”.

They also expressed some concerns about traffic congestion brought on by the wider reopening of shops and said the council was “working with Transport for London and the police” to help manage this.