Thousands of free face coverings to be handed out to Preston shoppers

From next Monday (June 15), visitors to the city centre will be able to pick up a free face covering from one of a number of pop-up stations along the high street.

Shoppers will also benefit from a number of new hand-sanitising banks, in addition to those already in place at the former BHS store in Fishergate and outside Evoque nightclub in Church Street.

The exact location of the new pop-up stations and hand sanitising banks will be announced later this week.

The giveaway is part of a wider programme undertaken by the city's BID (Business Improvement District) to help the city get back on its feet following lockdown.

It has also arranged for a weekly disinfecting programme of the high street and its street furniture, including benches, phone and postboxes.

The free face coverings are being funded by city centre businesses, but BID says it will need volunteers to help hand them out to shoppers.

A spokesman for BID said: "As part of this programme to provide protection to visitors and business colleagues, we are asking for volunteers to support us in manning the stations.

"Maybe you could spare a few hours a day, or a day a week – maybe you're currently furloughed and would like to volunteer to help your city?

"The stations will be operational across the week during normal hours. If you are able to assist us and your city, then please email [email protected] with your availability from June 15 onwards."

From Monday, June 15, face coverings will be compulsory on public transport in England.

Currently, passengers are advised to wear a face covering but are not stopped from travelling without one. But from next week, it will be mandatory for people to wear them on buses, trains, aircraft and ferries from next week.