Shoppers in Stevenage have come in their droves to the town centre today as non-essential stores open their doors for the first time since lockdown restrictions were imposed in March.

The Comet: Non-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlinNon-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlin (Image: Archant)

Stores in high streets and town centres across the UK will be welcoming customers back today.

Among those reopening was Primark, which has proven popular with Stevenage shoppers, as well as Sports Direct and Starbucks.

The Comet: Non-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlinNon-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlin (Image: Archant)

Next and Ernest Jones are set to reopen tomorrow. and the Indoor Market on Wednesday.

To help customers socially distance, Stevenage Borough Council created a ‘queue zone’ in areas closest to shop fronts.

The Comet: Non-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlinNon-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlin (Image: Archant)

There is also white paint to indicate a walkway or movement zone, to encourage safe travel through the town centre.

This is to help customers maintain the two-metre distance from other shoppers.

The Comet: Non-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlinNon-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlin (Image: Archant)

The council said in a tweet: “The town centre reopens on Monday. Pubs, cafes and hairdressers will still be closed but a lot of shops will be back.

“Take the time to learn about the new safeguarding measures and markings.”

The Comet: Non-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlinNon-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlin (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Non-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlinNon-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlin (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Non-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlinNon-essential shops reopen in Stevenage town centre. Picture: Charlotte McLaughlin (Image: Archant)

The Comet: Stevenage shoppers flocked to the town centre as non-essential stores reopen. Picture: Chris LudwickStevenage shoppers flocked to the town centre as non-essential stores reopen. Picture: Chris Ludwick (Image: Archant)