THESE pictures show Southend's Royals shopping centre as it prepares to welcome shoppers again as Covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased tomorrow.

The centre will open its doors to the public at 8.30am tomorrow, with new social distancing measures in place.

Pictures show a paths split in half to create a one-way system.

Two metre social distancing signs have also been placed on the floor outside shops for when customers are required to queue.

A customer care team will also be on hand to assist customers and there will be clear information points in the malls and as you enter the centre.

Entrances will be limited to Heygate Road, the High Street and via the car park on the first floor Sanitiser stations have also been places around the centre and contectless payments are recommended.

The toilet facilities will be closed until further measures are advised by the Government.

Debenhams to re-open

DEBENHAMS in Southend has set a date for its long-awaited re-opening next week.

The department store, based in the Royals Shopping Centre, will re-open on Wednesday, June 17. 

Dawn Jeakings, centre manager at the Royals, said: “We want the re-opening transition to be as safe as possible for our loyal customers. 

“Our customer care team will be on hand to assist with any questions our customers have, and ensure that the shopping experience is as easy and as convenient as possible. 

“We do have to make adjustments to make this possible and we feel secure that this has been achieved.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say a heart-felt thank you to the NHS and all key workers who have kept this country going- throughout these most unprecedented times.”