Daniel Zeichner MP will visit Ark as new rules around wearing face coverings in shops come into force this Friday, 24 July.

As well as the usual quirky homeware, jewellery and toys the retailer has added colourful face masks to its range of goods for sale.

Shop manager Ruth will explain the challenges that small shops have faced over recent months and her hopes that the new rules will encourage more shoppers back into the city centre.

All shoppers over the age of 11 must wear face coverings  or risk a £100 fine.

Mr Zeichner said: “It is always a pleasure to visit Ark. It’s shops like this that make Cambridge special. Everyone knows it has been much quieter than it used to be in the city centre since shops reopened on 14 July. That is why I back the use of face coverings to give more people the confidence to shop safely. I do think, like on so many pandemic issues, the government has been slow and muddled over face coverings. But they have finally got there. Now if shoppers are doing their bit, the Government needs to do its bit and finally get the Test, Track and Isolate system fully operational to restore confidence in the health response. Then shops and other businesses across the city can get back to work to protect people’s jobs and livihoods.”

Mr Zeichner also urged the public to be respectful if they see non-mask wearing customers as certain people are exempt from the new rules including people with hidden disabilities such as autism.