Support Scarborough: Please wait to buy presents says Brunswick Centre manager

The new lockdown rules have forced all stores that are deemed “non-essential” to shut for at least the next four weeks.

The restrictions are a massive blow to retailers who are being made to shut up their shops for a sizeable chunk of their all-important pre-Christmas period.

The Scarborough News is urging readers to support our local shops and businesses. Visit their websites to purchase their goods online.

“Click and collect is not ideal but it’s better than nothing and it keeps retail staff working,” said Mrs Anderson Brown (pictured).

“I recognise that people are going to be keen to buy their Christmas presents but please, hold on for a few weeks.

“There will be lots of offers and bargains to be had when shops reopen.

“We can still have that Christmas experience of coming into town when it will be all lit up.”

She said there is a feeling of inevitability among retailers about the situation but they understand that action needs to be taken to drive down the number of coronavirus infections.

Brunswick Shopping Centre plans to stay open so that people can access the shops classed as essential retailers, as well as any that plan to offer click and collect services.

It means their facilities such as toilets and baby changing will be available.

“We are following Government guidelines to keep staff and visitors at the Brunswick Shopping Centre safe, and to support efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19,” she added.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation during this period and would like to recognise our fantastic team who are working hard to support our retailers, serve our communities and take care of one another.”

President of Scarborough Chamber of Trade Janet Jefferson said she has already had calls from people asking about what financial support will be available to businesses hit by the lockdown.

She said plans to switch on Scarborough’s Christmas lights, on November 14, are going ahead and shops are still intending to decorate their windows with Christmas displays.

A Message from our Editor

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.

Jean MacQuarrie

Editor-in-Chief

Yorkshire Weeklies