Aylesbury's shopping centres reopen as restrictions ease

Non-essential shops in the Hale Leys Shopping Centre and the Friars Square Shopping Centre opened their doors for the first time since December, as eager shoppers and customers visited countless stores to see what items were on sale.

One of the shopping centre's Facebook posts

The Hale Leys Shopping Centre in Aylesbury

Numerous people were seen entering the centre’s clothes shops, whilst there were long queues outside several barbers and beauty parlours across the town.

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The town’s library also saw people wait patiently outside whilst fitness enthusiasts were seen entering several of the town’s gyms.

Many people were seen entering both shopping centres on April 12

One Aylesbury resident who wished to remain anonymous said: “It is so nice that the shops are open and it is nice seeing people out and about.

“Of course, we are not out the woods yet and people shouldn’t go overboard, but to see so many people visiting shops that have been closed for so long, especially the small, privately owned businesses, it is good to see, and that people are going to them.

Many people were seen in the morning and early afternoon

“It is also good to see the gyms reopening as well.

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“I know some people have taken their fitness into their own hands when the gyms shut, but a lot of people have suffered in silence as they didn’t have a focus – so hopefully, the gyms will still open as it will be a big help to people.”

Stage three of lockdown restrictions being eased will come into play on May 17, whilst stage four happen on June 21.