Queues form outside Hartlepool shops as town centre fully reopens following second lockdown

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More than 100 businesses at Hartlepool’s Middleton Grange Shopping Centre welcomed back customers on Wednesday, December 2, with shoppers eagerly lining up outside High Street names such as Primark, TJ Hughes, Sports Direct and JD Sports for their doors to open.

But shopping centre manager Mark Rycraft said: “Overall it has been quieter than we expected and that is a good thing because we want people to feel safe and take advantage of the longer opening hours before Christmas.

"We have plenty of positive feedback about how safe shoppers feel with our one ways systems, sanitisers and friendly staff on hand to offer guidance.

Queues outside Primark, in Hartlepool's Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, as the majority of the centre's shops reopened following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

"We are also communicating and collaborating closely with external agencies such as the police and Hartlepool Borough Council to provide a safe environment for our shoppers and staff.”

Hartlepool institution The Galleries, on the shopping centre’s first floor, was one of the businesses to open for the first time since the latest lockdown began last month.

Robert Hall, the manager of the coffee shop, which has been a presence in town since 1990, said: “We have had a lot of our regulars coming in and it is great to see them.

"We’ve had to disappoint one or two of them by telling them it is for takeaways only so I hope it is not too long before it is safe to fully open up.

Middleton Grange shopper Diane Barratt, who took her vizor off to have her picture taken, said "it is chocka today".

"This has had a big impact on us and we need people to sit in as this is what we are all about.

"People like to meet their friends and have a chat with them and us.

"We have a good understanding with them and some of the elderly shoppers see us as family.”

Hartlepool pals Ann Hart and Diane Barratt were able to judge how busy the centre was on Wednesday after previously visiting during the second lockdown.

Mark Hall, the manager of The Galleries coffee shop, in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, Hartlepool, was pleased to

Former barmaid Diane, 80, said: “It is chocka today compared to what it has been like over the last month.

"It is good to see because everyone wants to buy things for the bairns.

"It feels safe. Most people are doing what they should although there’s one or two of the younger ones standing too close to each other.”

Retired school playground assistant Ann, 78, added: “It is good to see more people back although it will be better when it all comes back to normal.”

Billy Reid had enjoyed at busy morning at his First Class business.

Middleton Grange stalwart Billy Reid, owner of First Class, which specialises in shoe repairs, key cutting and engraving, has remained open six days a week since the first lockdown began in March.

Mr Reid, who opened his business 34 years ago, said: “Yesterday I think I served 14 customers throughout the day. This morning I have already had three times as many.”

The shopping centre is open from 8am-8pm Mondays-Fridays, 9am-5.30pm on Saturdays and 10am-4pm on Sundays in the build up to Christmas.

Shoppers are urged to check in advance for individual opening times as only larger businesses such as Primark are expected to remain open until 8pm.

Further information is available online from www.middleton-grange.co.uk or the centre’s Facebook page.

Middleton Grange Shopping Centre manager Mark Rycraft.

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