Non-essential shops, beauty salons, barbers and the gyms in Yate Shopping Centre have begun to re-open their doors today.

Following the announcement the centre manager has said the centre will be very nearly fully open.

The restaurant and cafes in the centre will be adhering to restrictions by serving food and drinks in outside spaces.

Andrew Lowrey, centre manager, said: "It has been great to see all our traders open and there has been a real buzz around the centre with a substantial increase in customers visiting the town. 

"We hope that all our customers will stay local, stay safe and continue to support the town centre businesses. 

"Going forward we hope that restrictions will continue to be lifted and we hope by June 21, government guidance will allow us to organise community events along with our popular Beach event."

The centre welcomes a new beauty salon, SoBrows by Sofia and existing salon House of Luxxe has expanded into a new premises.

"The next few months will be critical in the fight against the pandemic and the centre management team will be on hand to help all visitors and traders to ensure we play our part in keeping the ball rolling". He added.

“Hopefully, if things continue to improve we can look forward to a late summer program of activities and make the Centre a place of fun and excitement for all to enjoy”.