SHOPPERS in Blackburn will be relieved to get some extra time to stock up this Christmas thanks to the Mall’s new opening hours.

The Church Street shopping centre has announced that it will be reopening on December 2 with stores able to operate from 8am to 8pm every night apart from Sundays.

These hours will be in place until December 23 and on Christmas Eve the centre will be open from 8am to 4.30pm.

General manager Loraine Jones said: “This year has been extremely tough for the people of Lancashire and we have been unable to do much of what we would normally do.

“Retail has been hit hard by restrictions and my team have worked tirelessly to make the shopping centre a safe environment to shop.

“We have taken the decision to extend our opening hours, as have many other shopping centres and stores across the country, not only to support our wonderful retailers but also to give everyone that experience of being able to enjoy some Christmas shopping.

“It also means that people can make their own choices as to when they want to visit and we will keep everyone up to date with the capacity in the centre so if someone does want to shop when it is perhaps a quieter period then they can.”

The mall will reinstate its traffic light system on its social media pages and the website so customers can make decision on when they feel most comfortable to shop, while safety measures including a keep left system, mandatory wearing face coverings for staff and visitors, increased cleaning and hand sanitisation stations will remain in place.

Unfortunately, Santa’s Grotto will not be in place this year, while food and beverage retailers are awaiting further guidance on whether they will be able to operate.

Ms Jones said: “Christmas is always one of our favourite times of the year and we are hugely disappointed that we aren’t able to provide a Christmas grotto, but our priority must be the safety of our shoppers, retailers and staff.

“We will be bringing some festive cheer with a socially distanced activity and we will be releasing more details soon.”

To find out more, go to: https://www.themall.co.uk/blackburn/.