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Only handful of shops reopen in Sevenoaks town centre as lockdown restrictions are eased

11:29, 15 June 2020

updated: 12:06, 15 June 2020

Things were quiet in Sevenoaks this morning as only a small number of businesses took the opportunity to reopen their doors.

Elsewhere in the county queues formed outside popular high street stores early this morning, but those scenes were not replicated in the town centre.

Pets Corner in Sevenoaks has hand sanitiser available for customers to use
Pets Corner in Sevenoaks has hand sanitiser available for customers to use

Anyone hoping for an early morning shopping spree will have found themselves disappointed as very few non-essential outlets were open despite the relaxation of the Covid-19 lockdown rules.

While the car park at Bligh's Meadow - which still offers free parking after Sevenoaks District Council temporarily suspended charges during lockdown - was filling up first thing, most shops that were open are essential stores that were open before today.

There were definitely some signs of life, though, with shops due to open with updated hours later in the day.

And those making use of retailers that are already open are making sure to keep to the 2m rule, while many are wearing masks.

While Primark is proving popular elsewhere in the county, fashion chains are also showing their pulling power, as clothes shops including Seasalt and Jigsaw open their doors.

A sign outside a shop in Sevenoaks
A sign outside a shop in Sevenoaks

However footfall is has remained light, with the only queues lining up outside banks on the High Street.

Resident Kat James said: "I think that people are still quite wary about coming in and mixing with anyone, I only came in because I've got a mask to be honest, but it's nice to see people out and about."

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