Hundreds of eager shoppers have been queuing outside Primark this morning as the shop reopened for the first time in months.

Around 600 people are currently in the que for Primark, in Red Lion Walk, Colchester.

As part of the governments roadmap out of lockdown, all non-essential shops and retailers can open from today (April 12).

Gazette: Primark, ColchesterPrimark, Colchester

Gyms, hairdressers, nail salons, public buildings and outdoor attractions can also reopen.

Both pubs and restaurants are allowed to reopen and serve food and alcohol in an outdoor setting.

Unlike previous restrictions in December, there will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal and no curfew.

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Manager of Red Lion Walk, Martin Leatherdale said it had been a "safe and steady" start to the day.

He said: "Footfall suggests a safe and steady start to the day.

“It has been a great start to the morning. The sun is shining, the centre is sparkling.

“With 600 people in the queue for Primark, but overall a very calm start to the day and it promises to be an exciting one with the secret garden launching at 12.”

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*Mr Leatherdale is standing for the Tory's in the Colchester Council elections in May. The other people standing in the Lexden and Braiswick ward are  Roger Bamforth, Green; Sandra Culham, Lib Dem; Luke Hayes, Lab; Kayleigh Rippinggale-Shaw, Lab and Dennis Willetts, Con.