SHOPPING centre bosses in East Lancashire have promised to do all they can to make shoppers feel as safe as possible when they reopen.

Earlier this week, the Government said all non-essential shops in England would be able to open from June 15 if they can meet the coronavirus guidelines put in place to protect shoppers and workers.

The Mall in Blackburn has remained partially open throughout the crisis, with people still being able to visit Wilko, B&M, Poundland, Boots, Holland and Barrett, Superdrug, Santander, H&T Pawnbrokers and the Post Office.

While Specsavers and Vision Express have been operating an appointment only policy.

The Mall will return to operating under normal trading hours from Monday June 15.

General manager at The Mall Loraine Jones said: "We want everyone to feel as safe as possible and ask that our shoppers please adhere to the Government’s guidance on social distancing.

“We ask that shoppers don’t enter the centre if they are experiencing any symptoms of Covid 19, which include a new and persistent cough, a fever or a loss of sense of taste or smell.

“Everyone must maintain a distance of at least two metres from all other members of the public and strictly observe the centre’s social distancing measures as instructed by staff on The Mall and in our stores.

“We have missed our shoppers, they are the heart of the centre and we very much look forward to welcoming them back."

Access to The Mall will be controlled to limit numbers of shoppers.

A one-way system and hand sanitation stations have also been introduced.

In Burnley, Charter Walk is also preparing to re-open on June 15, once all non-essential retailers meet the new safety and security guidelines.

Bosses have implemented new measures to provide the highest levels of hygiene and maintain social distancing within the centre, and clear signage and directional floor markings have been installed to help visitors maintain a two metre distance between themselves and others.

Centre manager, Debbie Hernon, said: “We’re making every effort to protect colleagues and customers, and while safety has to come first, we’re delighted to be able to reopening the non-essential stores at the centre.

"We are working closely with retailers to deliver clear health and safety measures around the centre and to ensure social distancing is maintained.

"We have and will continue to follow the Government guidelines carefully.

"The centre teams are working extremely hard under huge pressure, and we are immensely grateful to them."

Earlier this month, garden centres were permitted to reopen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and outdoor markets and car showrooms are being allowed to open from June 1.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged people to go to the shops to help the economy bounce back.

He said: "It's early days but we are very much hoping there will be a bounce back over the next few months."

Customers are advised to check themall.co.uk/blackburn and charterwalk.com for individual store details.