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Folkestone's Harbour Arm to re-open to public after lockdown measures eased

Folkestone's popular Harbour Arm will re-open to the public from tomorrow.

The recently-renovated walkway closed at the beginning of April following the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The Harbour Arm in Folkestone will re-open from tomorrow. Picture: Alan Langley
The Harbour Arm in Folkestone will re-open from tomorrow. Picture: Alan Langley

But now, following the loosening of some lockdown restrictions, it will re-open to those who want a walk and get some fresh air.

Two food outlets will also be open for takeaways - Bobbies Bakehouse and the Harbour Coffee Co.

The announcement comes from the Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Co, who spent millions of pounds regenerating the town's harbour arm and harbour station in recent years.

But with the opening comes several new rules to visitors.

A one-way system will be put in place and all guests will be asked to leave the arm once they have purchased any food.

The walkway is popular with tourists and visitors. Pictured in summer 2019. Picture: Alan Langley
The walkway is popular with tourists and visitors. Pictured in summer 2019. Picture: Alan Langley

The team are also urging people to stick to social distancing.

The full statement reads: "After careful consideration, we have made a decision to re-open the Harbour Arm for promenading from Friday, May 29, at 10am following the recent shift in government advice.

"To open safely, we have introduced a number of restrictions on-site to meet current social distancing requirements.

"Although some of the lockdown measures have been eased we are still in the middle of a crisis, so please help us keep the space safe by cooperating.

"Staying at least 2m away from each other is still essential for the safety of everyone and we ask that you act with kindness and consideration to others at all times.

"We have introduced a one-way system from the viaduct and through the railway station, operating a keep left onto the Arm as well.

Bobbies Bakehouse is now open for takeaways
Bobbies Bakehouse is now open for takeaways

"We will be introducing a new #BuyAsYouLeave procedure across the site to try and discourage gatherings and keep visitors as safe as possible.

"From now on, we must ask that visitors only purchase food as they leave the site, and disperse as soon as they receive their order.

"For now, Bobbies Bakehouse and the Harbour Coffee Co are open and will be operating strictly as takeaway only until government guidelines change.

"We understand that it is crucial for people’s physical and mental wellbeing to be able to have access to open spaces, and if we all work together we can keep the Arm open for everyone to enjoy at this difficult time.

"Our priority at the moment is to keep the Harbour Arm open and safe for everyone, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure this is the case.

"This decision to open will be kept under constant review and we reserve the right to close it at any point if we find visitors flouting the rules.

"We look forward to receiving your continued support and we thank you in advance for your co-operation."

Opening hours will be 10am to 5.30pm.

Over the summer months, the Harbour Arm usually hosts several food outlets, live music performances, a weekly vintage market and an outdoor cinema and is visited by thousands of people.

Earlier this week, fears were raised after a group of children were seen tombstoning from the arm.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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