Newbury's B&Q could reopen soon

DIY chain announces plans for London Road outlet

B&Q is hoping to reopen its store in London Road, Newbury, "by early May".

The DIY chain has already reopened 155 of its 297 outlets with strict social distancing in place.

The have been reports of huge queues at the Reading store, which reopened last week.

A B&Q spokesman said: "This week, following a successful trial at 14 stores, B&Q has announced the opening of over half of its stores. Some 155 stores are now open, and B&Q plans to open the remaining stores across the UK by early May."

Chief executive Graham Bell said: "During this time of self-isolation and social distancing, we're all learning new ways of living and shopping.

"We've watched how other essential retailers have supported social distancing in their stores and followed their best practice with trials at 14 stores.

"Following the success of the trials, with customers adhering to our social distancing measures, we've now opened over half of our stores.

"We're confident that our strict social distancing measures keep customers and colleagues safe while helping homes and gardens, as well as people’s wellbeing, to be maintained.

"Whether shopping in our stores or online, we ask that all our customers follow the Government’s social distancing guidelines and shop responsibly only for what is necessary."