WHARFE Valley and Craven residential sales agency, Dale Eddison, has re-opened its four branches after putting into place strict safety measures to protect staff and customers.

Ahead of opening, every member of its team received a detailed ‘back to work guide’ while managers delivered boxes of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including facemasks, gloves, hand-sanitisers and wipes, to its Ilkley, Otley, Guiseley and Skipton offices.

The move came on the back of the Government announcement that estate agents could resume business with immediate effect, which it believes will help kick-start the economy.

Bill Dale, from Dale Eddison, said: “The lockdown resulted in the market almost grinding to an immediate halt, but I’m delighted to say this changed almost instantly after the Government announced that estate agents could reopen. It was as if a switch had been flicked.

“Right up to the moment we were required to close, the property market in the Wharfe Valley and Craven was buoyant. I’m confident it will recover to a similar level of activity, but it will take a while to achieve this.”

Each Dale Eddison branch will only allow a certain number of visitors or customers, including contractors, into the office at any one time, dependent on the physical space available in each location.

These rules will be displayed on the entrance door and within the office space. The company has also posted information for sellers and potential clients about its new working practices, including viewings and valuations on its website.

William Eddison added: “The welfare of staff and customers is of paramount importance to us, and we will be rigidly following government and industry guidelines in our offices and clients’ properties.

“When we undertake viewings, these will be strictly controlled and follow best safety practice to minimise any risk of infection.”