Garden centres in Sunderland reopen to queues of customers

Garden centres around Sunderland reported brisk trade as green-fingered customers were allowed back after seven weeks of lockdown.
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Outlets including Clay’s in Washington, Thoburn’s in Hendon Emily’s in Leechmere and Bishopwearmouth Garden Centre, were able to welcome back customers for the first time since lockdown began on March 23.

Until May 13, they could only deliver in the run-up to what is a crucial time of year for the industry. All have two-metre social distancing, customer limits, cleaning and other protective measures. Customers were delighted to take a small step back towards normality.

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Steve Cain, spokesman for Clay’s Garden Centre said: “The lockdown hit us really hard. We missed out on a significant amount of trade we’d normally see at the beginning of spring.

Robyn Anderson was glad to return to work at Thoburn's. Picture by Stu Norton.Robyn Anderson was glad to return to work at Thoburn's. Picture by Stu Norton.
Robyn Anderson was glad to return to work at Thoburn's. Picture by Stu Norton.

“Gardening is so important for so many people on a physical and mental health level and we’re glad we can fully support them again, safely.

“We can’t predict what the future will hold for our survival, but we are going forward with a positive attitude to weather the storm.”

The owner of the garden centre, David Clay, faced sleepless nights worrying about his business and staff, admitting concerns over whether they would reopen.

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Clay's Garden Centre has reopened, with a raft of strict safety measures in place.Clay's Garden Centre has reopened, with a raft of strict safety measures in place.
Clay's Garden Centre has reopened, with a raft of strict safety measures in place.
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Clay’s, which employs around 40 people, was forced to furlough the majority of staff, but is looking to bring them back with their safety as top priority. The centre was overwhelmed with the reaction from the public when they announced their reopening, describing it as “amazing”.

Steve Cain added: “We really welcomed the Government news that we could reopen. It feels very good to be able to open the doors again and the reaction we’ve had has been fantastic.”

Lynsey Thoburn, owner of Thoburn’s Plants, Trees & Shrubs had to give away £1,000 worth of plants away when her outlet closed, but is now trading strongly again.

She said: “It’s been brilliant. We’ve never stopped and there’s been cars pulling up constantly.

Loyal customer Steve Roberts was delighted to be able to visit Thoburn's Plants, Trees & Shrubs in Wear Street once again. Picture by Stu Norton.Loyal customer Steve Roberts was delighted to be able to visit Thoburn's Plants, Trees & Shrubs in Wear Street once again. Picture by Stu Norton.
Loyal customer Steve Roberts was delighted to be able to visit Thoburn's Plants, Trees & Shrubs in Wear Street once again. Picture by Stu Norton.
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“The best sellers have been the summer bedding plants: petunias, lobelias and all the perennials. We've been delivering and it was very hard work. But now we’re only doing that for vulnerable people.

“And it was nice to meet people again. It’s been a bit lonely.”

A message from the Editor:

Strict social distancing was also in place at the reopening of Emily's Nurserie in Leechmere. Picture by Stu Norton.Strict social distancing was also in place at the reopening of Emily's Nurserie in Leechmere. Picture by Stu Norton.
Strict social distancing was also in place at the reopening of Emily's Nurserie in Leechmere. Picture by Stu Norton.

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