A member of the public has described one of Aylesbury’s shopping centres as a ‘ghost town’, following the start of the second lockdown.

The Government confirmed on Saturday, October 31 that the shutdown would commence on Thursday, November 5, with it lasting until Wednesday, December 2.

READ MORE: Which Bucks businesses are continuing to trade during lockdown 2.0?

All non-essential shops have had to shut allowing restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, opticians, and other amenities to remain open during the next month.

This has resulted in both of Aylesbury’s shopping centres, Friars Square and Hale Leys, being temporarily closed off, with only eateries and pharmacies being open.

An anonymous member of the public said: “It is very sad because you usually see people in and around the shopping centres.

"You would see mums and dads telling their kids off as they would want to go into the toy shop, and people socialising.

“It is sad that we have had to come to this.

Bucks Free Press:

Hale Leys Shopping Centre in Aylesbury

Bucks Free Press:

The shopping centre has been described as a 'Ghost Town'

“It was like walking into a ghost town – it was very sombre.”

Since the start of autumn, cases and deaths of coronavirus in the country have increased significantly.

At the time of writing, 49,044 people have lost their lives since the start of this year due to Covid-19, with the current figures being reminiscent of the spring when the first lockdown was introduced.

The first shutdown of the year lasted for just over three months.

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The person continued: “In a few weeks’ time, it will be Christmas and the shopping centres are usually busy with people.

“But there is no hustle and bustle that you would usually get at this time of year.

“There is no Christmas atmosphere.

“I feel sorry for families who have missed out on a lot of stuff this year, and my thoughts go out to the people who have lost loved ones due to this illness.

“Hopefully, it will get better soon.”

The lockdown restrictions have limited people to not visit their friends or family both indoors and outdoors, with restaurants only being able to serve takeaways.