These are the rules for shopping at The Bridges as Sunderland shopping centre set to reopen

Shoppers are urged to follow social distancing rules when visiting The Bridges as lockdown measures are eased from Monday, June 15.
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Centre bosses have also said the situation will be monitored every 15 minutes through CCTV and patrolling security staff and action will be taken if needed.

Plans for The Bridges include a one-way system and safe queuing measures outside of every store marked with yellow footprints placed two metres apart.

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New signs will give shoppers guidance on social distancing, while sanitisation stations have been installed at every entrance.

The Bridges, Sunderland, during lockdownThe Bridges, Sunderland, during lockdown
The Bridges, Sunderland, during lockdown

Duncan Allen, Building and Services Director, from the Bridges said the centre is now geared up for the return of customers.

“We have hand sanitising stations at key points in the centre and we'll be reminding shoppers to social distance with signage and our public address system,” said Duncan.

“But it's really going to be down to the public at the end of the day to act responsibly and keep their distance.

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“We will monitor the situation every fifteen minutes utilising CCTV and paroling security staff and centre management staff and depending on how things go, that will dictate the next course of action.

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All non-essential retail shops can reopen in England from 15 June

“We would hope that people will also be respectful to each other and to the staff at the Bridges and do their bit to keep the city centre clean and tidy.”

Shoppers are being reminded not to dwell in the centre, but to return home as soon as they have made their purchases.

“As lockdown is eased we want to welcome people back to the city centre, but we need to make sure that this happens in a safe and secure way,” said Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID.

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“We have created a very visible campaign which highlights how people need to behave and we hope that everyone will take notice and keep to the rules.”

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Coun Graeme Miller, added: “The best way to make sure that cases continue to fall is to be sensible and follow the advice on social distancing, that includes abiding by the measures put in place around the city centre and by retailers to keep us all safe.”

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