Buzz of excitement as Winsford Cross is bustling again

The sun was shining as crowds returned to Winsford Cross shopping centre on Monday

Queues formed outside several shops as people were so keen to get inside.

Winsford Cross was bustling with shoppers

Winsford Cross was bustling with shoppers

The malls were bustling again with people pushing trolleys and prams and carrying bags full of shopping.

Family jewellers Hollins Hollinshead had a queue of customers outside patiently adhering to social distancing regulations as they waited to go into the shop.

Market stallholders were delighted to see more people browsing.

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Charity shops were doing as good trade and delighted to be receiving donations of unwanted clothes, books and bric-a-brac again.

Mike Weaver, manager of St Luke's Hospice shop, said: "It's really great to be open again after being closed for so long. All our staff are back from furlough.

Mike Weaver, manager of St Luke's Hospice shop

Mike Weaver, manager of St Luke's Hospice shop

"A dozen or more customers were outside when we opened our doors. It was wonderful to see a lot of our regulars again."

Rachel Hughes, who usually works with the hospice fundraising team is helping out in the shop.

Rachel Hughes helping out at St Luke's Hospice Shop

Rachel Hughes helping out at St Luke's Hospice Shop

She said: "It is great to see our shops open again. We really appreciate this income as we have had to cancel so many events."

Steven Holmes, head of retail for St Luke’s Hospice, said: "Our charity shops are vital for the future of St Luke’s and it has been a huge blow to our fundraising efforts to have them closed for so many months, in addition to the loss of income from our popular events such as Bubble Rush. We are really looking forward to being part of our communities once again.”

Winsford deputy mayor Cllr Nathan Pardoe said: “It's great to see businesses open their doors as lockdown eases.

“It's the first time many have been able to open since January and I hope people support them by spending locally.

“We all need to play our part in keeping them open by following the health guidance to keep each other safe.”