SHOP owners in Whitchurch have shared their delight in reopening for customers after a lengthy coronavirus-enforced closure.

On Monday, June 15 shops and businesses around the country reopened their door after receiving the green light.

The weekend before the reopening saw Prime Minister Boris Johnson say he was unsure of whether to expect a “flood or a trickle” on stores on Monday.

In Whitchurch the reality was somewhere in between as many shop owners reported lengthy queues before reopening their businesses.

Neil Williams, who runs Whitchurch Photography in Green End, who likened the opening day to the Christmas period.

“It’s been really busy,” said Neil. “It’s been like the lead up to Christmas.

“Considering we’ve been shut for weeks, it’s good to see so many customers.

“We had people waiting outside on Monday. It was very busy and today has been the same.

Neil backed social distancing measures introduced in the latest easing of lockdown across England.

“It’s worth it for social distancing,” Mr Wiliams added.

“Until the Covid-19 situation changes I don’t see it going away.”

Jane Lyon is the owner of several clothing businesses in the centre of Whitchurch, including Lornashouse, Sole and V&H, and she says customers have been very patient in dealing with reopening and the various health and safety restrictions.

“Everybody has been respectful,” said Jane.

“People have been patient and respected the rules.”

Jane also backed the pedestrianisation of the main shopping streets in the town.

“I think it’s a good idea,” she added. “It allows people to queue into the road which helps with social-distancing.

“Safety has to come first at the end of the day. That’s my main mission. Closing the road is the only way we could safely operate.”