All non-essential shops are set to re-open on Monday 12 April following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown.

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The restrictions placed on the country have had a devastating impact on the economy and Preston’s city centre shops are no exception.

Read more: There are empty shops across Preston’s high streets and side streets but city can bounceback as lockdown eases

Deputy leader of Preston City Council councillor Peter Moss said: “We are really mindful of the hard time businesses have had over the last 12 months.

“We know businesses have been working hard to make shopping safe.

“We welcome people coming back to the high street and Preston city centre.

“Let’s make sure that we abide by the rules of hands face space, it’s still very important when we come into the city centre.

“Come home to your high street is our strapline.

“We really want to support all the fantastic businesses and the independent businesses in the city centre. Please support Preston City Centre.”

Meanwhile Preston BID will include handing out free masks for shoppers at the Flag Market.

Read more: Outdoor and second-hand markets resuming under Preston’s Covered Markets from Monday 12 April

St George’s Shopping Centre is gearing up to re-open on 12 April.

Manager Andrew Stringer said: “We are delighted to be welcoming our visitors and non-essential retailers back to the Centre next week. Our Centre and retailer teams have been working extremely hard under huge pressure this past year, and we want to extend a huge thank you to the key workers.”

Read more: Latest news and updates from Blog Preston

Will you be going shopping as soon as non-essential retailers re-open, or will you be waiting? Let us know in the comments.