A one-way system, hand gel stations and queue management will be introduced at a busy shopping centre to try to reduce the spread of Covid-19 once non-essential shops reopen.

The measures at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs will change the way people typically shop in a bid to meet two-metre social distancing guidelines brought in by the government.

It comes ahead of the reopening of major retailers next Monday at the centre, which will include Primark, Debenhams, TK Maxx and Next.

Others to open their doors that day will be The Body Shop, JD Sport, River Island, Foot Asylum, Yours and Clintons.

Centre manager Francesca Donovan says the safety of guests and teams is their priority.

"We continue to follow government guidance and have been working hard to prepare the centre for reopening," she said.

"This includes limiting the number of customers within the centre, a one way system, queue management, social distancing markers, hand sanitation stations, increased cleaning across the centre and our on-site security team are on hand to assist.

“From Monday, more of our stores will be opening and we are working closely with each retailer to ensure we provide a safe environment to welcome customers back to.”

Boots, Holland & Barrett, HSBC, M&S, Superdrug and Wilko have continued to operate during lockdown, while others shut in March.

Boris Johnson announced non-essential shops could reopen from June 15 and clothing firms have been putting measures in place to do so safely.

Bosses at retail giant Debenhams confirmed the Westwood Cross store will be one of the first of its outlets in England to reopen.

Steven Cook, managing director of the company, said: “Preparations for reopening are well under way, with strict social distancing and hygiene procedures implemented in adherence with the latest government guidance and instruction.”

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