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B&Q stores in Ashford, Dartford, Dover, Gravesend and Tunbridge Wells join Gillingham in reopening during coronavirus lockdown

Five more B&Q stores classed as "essential" have reopened in Kent, taking the total in the county to six.

Earlier this week, the DIY chain decided to bring the Gillingham branch back into business after watching “other essential retailers support social distancing measures”.

Six Kent stores are now open
Six Kent stores are now open

The decision sparked a mixed response, with a number of critics questioning the need to reopen during lockdown.

Some harbour fears that B&Q reopening is the start of a "slippery slope" which will spark unessential retailers to continually follow suit.

But now, 155 stores have reopened across the UK - including five more in Kent.

They are:

  • Ashford
  • Dartford
  • Dover
  • Gravesend
  • Tunbridge Wells

A statement from the firm said: "We’re strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, and so you may find you need to queue if you visit the store.

"To help remind everyone to respect each other’s personal space, we have two metre floor markers throughout the store and also perspex screens at our checkouts."

B&Q is classed as an essential retailer. About half of its stores are now open nationwide.

Services such as bathroom and kitchen design, timber cutting and paint mixing are not available.

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