SHOPPERS flooded back to Colchester town centre yesterday as retailers of all sizes reopened their doors to customers.

Following the relaxation of Government lockdown restrictions, all non-essential retailers were able to reopen yesterday.

The majority of retailers in Colchester town centre took the opportunity to welcome back customers for the first time in almost three months, including national chains like Fenwick, Primark and Debenhams.

Both outdoor shopping centres, Lion Walk and Culver Square, also reopened to customers.

A raft of new safety measures, including designated queuing areas, hygiene stations and directional signs have been installed at both locations.

Our Colchester Business Improvement District has helped lead on the changes in the town centre and said the first day back trading could not have gone better.

Sam Good, BID manager, said: “We are over the moon with how the first day went.

“Customer confidence is there.

“Shoppers were abiding by the installations and safety measures in the town.

“The footfall has been higher than we expected and the businesses have really stepped up to the plate and done everything we could have asked.

“It has been a really positive day.”

He added: “Obviously we will keep things under review and monitor any issues but we are really happy with the start.”

Colchester Council’s business boss David King said the town was on the right road to recovery after months of businesses having to stay closed.

But Mr King warned there may still be tough times ahead.

He said: “We are as well placed as any town to recovery from what are sure to be some hard times to come.

“We will have to manage our way through it but the council has made a good start and businesses have made a great start.

“Everyone says money makes the world go round and we need to get the economy stimulated again with people spending.

“This is an encouraging start and it bodes well for the future but we have a long road ahead of us as a town.”

Mark Cory, leader of the council, said: "I cycled into town on Monday and it was easy and a bit safer than before.

"I hope this is a good sign people are going to respect the new town centre restrictions and do the right thing.

"It is really nice to see people in the town again and supporting our local businesses."