Traders and shoppers are eagerly awaiting the reopening of non-essential shops across Dartford.

But while shopkeepers are looking forward to ringing their tills and customers keen to splash their cash after three months of lockdown, the message is loud and clear – keep safe, be kind and it's good to see you again.

Dartford council has spent the past month preparing a softly-softly approach to opening of its high street and shopping centres in the run-up to Monday.

Banners and flyers are being plastered everywhere, pleading with customers to keep their distance, respect others, including shopkeepers, and "Great to see you again".

But council leader Jeremy Kite said the most important message for him was "let's not rush this".

Cllr Kite said he felt "upbeat" about the preparation that has taken place between his officers and the business community.

Every shopkeeper had been offered advice on limiting numbers and the council has taken on three "hosts" to monitor queues and keep traffic flow moving.

He said: "We are planning a gradual build up. We could have opened up the outdoor market a couple of weeks ago, but chose not to until we are absolutely certain it is safe to do so.The worst thing that could happen is that we are forced to close down everything again.

"We are just not looking towards Monday, but three to four weeks ahead.

"I shall be going to the town on Monday to see where the queues are and we may need to revise things Tuesday or Wednesday."

Cllr Kite said he hoped shoppers would be sensible and stagger their shopping period.

He said: "I would hope people don't get up early to get to the shops early like they did when lockdown started. Lack of stock is no longer an issue and there's no reason why those who used to shop between 11am and 3pm don't go after 3."

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He added: "I would like to think some of the qualities such as being kind and respecting others which have come out of this pandemic would come out with this reopening."

The council was awarded a £30,000 grant from the government's Reopening High Streets Safely Fund which it is spending on hiring the hosts, santisers and signage.

Council spokesman Terri-Ann Fairclough said that sanitiser stations were being put along the High Street and a one-way system would be implemented "if and when required".

Advice posted on the Priory shopping centre website says: "When visiting the shopping centre, please KEEP LEFT and keep at least two metres apart from others at all times. If you need to cross the mall, you may do so as long as it is safe whilst maintaining the social distancing rule. Plan your purchase in advance to limit the risk to yourself and to others."

The Orchard's website says: "There will be some shops that will remain closed until all safety measures are fully in place, but hopefully it won't be long and we will keep you all informed and duly updated."

Bluewater revealed on Monday its plan to reopen includes a one-way system and hand sanitiser stations.

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