Coronavirus: Shropshire Archives reopening – customer survey results
Shropshire Council’s Shropshire Archives has now received the results of a customer survey ahead of a planned reopening later this summer. Over 180 replies were received, with over 100 people planning to visit the archives in the next three months.
Shropshire Archives has been closed to in-person visitors since March 2020, though enquiries have continued to be answered. The service is also now able to offer a wide range of research services.
Planning is now well under way towards reopening following the issues highlighted in the survey. These include:
- Most customers wanting access to original archive documents as a priority
- Most customers wanting to visit for between 1-3 hours
- Concerns were expressed over maintaining social distancing and the use of the public toilets during a visit
- Support for the service’s ability to plan and organise the reopening safely
- Importance of making more information and archives accessible online.
Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure, waste and communications, said:-
“We are delighted with the response to the survey – thank you very much for all your thoughts and suggestions. This will enable the service to make plans to meet customers’ needs as much as possible in the current circumstances, and provide reassurance that we will do everything we can to keep people safe.”
Mary McKenzie, Archives manager, said:
“This feedback will be incredibly useful as we move towards reopening. It has been really positive to see the interest from our customers, and also their confidence in our ability to ensure their visits are safe and productive. We will confirm details of our reopening plans as soon as possible.”
For further information ring 0345 678 9096, email archives@shropshire.gov.uk, or visit the website www.shropshirearchives.org.uk.
Further information
Stay updated with the latest news about coronavirus and Shropshire Council services by signing up to our email bulletins
