Traders in North End Portsmouth say they couldn't wait to reopen

Rosemary Saunders, 81, in North End.
Picture: Steve Deeks — Rosemary Saunders, 81, in North End. Picture: Steve Deeks

The Furniture Factory, London Road, led the way in North End after seeing a queue of customers outside the shop before opening as people rushed to support their local store.

After having its doors shut for nearly three months staff and customers alike were thrilled to get back in the shop which had two metre markings on the ground and hand sanitiser.

Lee Cross, owner of the popular shop, said: ‘It’s been crazy busy. We had people queuing before we opened to get in.

Lee Cross, owner of The Furniture Factory in North End.
Picture: Steve Deeks — Lee Cross, owner of The Furniture Factory in North End. Picture: Steve Deeks

‘We haven’t stopped. There’s not been a moment when we’ve not had a customer in the shop.

‘It’s been one of the highest days turnover I can remember. It’s probably been four times more than normal.

‘Our customers have said how happy they are that we're open again. As well as our regulars, we’ve had new customers too.’

He added: ‘I’m really pleased - it’s great to be open again. We’ve had great support from the council and government.

Adriana Murariu, of Cake Box in North End.
Picture: Steve Deeks — Adriana Murariu, of Cake Box in North End. Picture: Steve Deeks

I think things will settle down soon.’

Other shops, open to the public once again via walk-in, had been creative during lockdown.

Bijay Gurung, supervisor at Cake Box, said: ‘It’s been quiet today but we started doing deliveries during lockdown which went well.

‘Business has gone down a bit but hopefully things can start to pick up again.’

Charles Hitchens, 89, from North End.
Picture: Steve Deeks — Charles Hitchens, 89, from North End. Picture: Steve Deeks

Shoppers were pleased to see stores reopen again after a long three months.

Rosemary Saunders, 81, of Drayton, said: ‘It’s good shops are opening again but it’s not fair when people don’t obey social distancing.

‘You see people grouping together. I have to be careful.’

Charles Hutchens, 89, from North End, said: ‘It’s been a long time coming. There’s been some long queues.

‘It will be good when the pub opens again.’

Mat Roberts, field sales manager at Eden Mobility said: ‘Hopefully everything will be fine as long as people aren’t idiots.

‘We’ve got sanitiser and markings and most people that come in here wear a mask.

‘On deliveries I wear a mask, gloves and maintain a two metre distance. You have to be careful because we don’t know if there will be a second spike.’