See what Hartlepool's Middleton Grange shopping centre is doing to keep people safe ahead of store reopenings

Middleton Grange shopping centre has continued to be open during lockdown for a number of food and other essential stores.

Several non-essential shops within the mall are due to reopen from Monday, June 15, in line with government guidance.

In preparation, Middleton Grange has been busy putting a number of measures in place and is issuing advice to help customers adapt to a ‘new normal' and keep everyone safe.

It follows the launch of the Mail’s new #SupportLocal campaign urging shoppers to support local businesses as they start to reopen post-lockdown.

Middleton Grange has stepped up its cleaning regime with regular sanitising of all doors, handles, escalators, banisters and buttons.

There are numerous floor markers around the shopping centre to help customers abide by social distancing and arrows showing which direction people should walk in.

Middleton Grange has released a video on social media with advice for visitors to follow.

In it, centre manager Mark Rycraft says: “As we start to see non-essential retailers open we ask that you consider shopping alone, taking the stairs where possible, enable disabled customers to be prioritised and observe our moving on policy.

“Please always comply with the social distancing advice and observing markers placed in queue areas.”

Queue spots are in place if shops are controlling access and people are asked to only queue if a spot is available.

Mr Rycraft said it is up to everyone to play their part in keeping themselves and each other safe by following the guidelines.

He added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our customers and visitors for their cooperation and patience, especially our teams who have been working incredibly hard to keep our centre clean and safe during the lockdown.”

Middleton Grange advises some retailers may not be ready to open from Monday and some will operate at reduced hours.

JD Sports and Primark are among stores due to reopen on June 15.

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