Those who love bagging a bargain will be pleased to hear Poundland is reopening several of its stores in Kent closed during lockdown.

The discount retailer has kept most of its outlets open for essential shopping, but in March, some shops were closed due to them being close to another store or in a shopping centre, making it difficult to remain open.

But now, these stores are being brought out of hibernation in the coming weeks in what the retail company is dubbing "operation Sleeping Beauty".

Two Kent outlets in the Mall, Maidstone and the Pentagon Shopping Centre in Chatham are among 30 opening on Monday, May 18.

A spokesman for the company says "robust health and safety measures will operate as they do in all Poundland stores that have remained open."

Measures will include marshals on the door to limit the number of customers, floor markers to help people maintain social distancing and staff washing hands every 20 minutes.

Retail director Austin Cooke added: "While safety has to come first, we’re delighted to be able to begin reopening hibernating Poundland stores to fully serve those communities across the UK with the essentials they need.”

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