A COLD April morning did not prevent Swindon shoppers coming out in force as Covid restrictions eased yesterday.

After the third national lockdown left all of us stuck at home for weeks on end, people suddenly felt spoilt for choice as non-essential retailers reopened, pubs served pints to punters in beer gardens, gyms allowed fitness fans to use the facilities, and hairdressers got to work fixing overgrown mops.

A brisk and cloudy Monday morning with light rain and even the odd bit of snow soon gave way to glorious sunshine beaming down onto Regent Street.

As usual, Primark saw the most eager shoppers lining up to bag a bargain and part of College Street was closed to accommodate the constant stream of customers, though the line did not reach the remarkable lengths seen after the first lockdown ended last year.

Shannon Lovegrove came from Faringdon with her mum and children to visit Primark and the toy shop.

She said: “I couldn’t wait for the shops to open. The kids enjoyed being out. This lockdown was alright compared to the others. I’m hoping to go on holiday later in the year but you never know what’s going to happen.”

Small crowds of socially-distanced shoppers filled the streets, and the throng grew throughout the day as the weather improved.

Independent retailers on Havelock Street were delighted to see the area so busy.
Roger Shakles manages Sewcraft. He said: “We didn’t know what it was going to be like and it was slow at first but after 10am, it picked up.

“It was on and off all day – one moment it was rammed, the next it was empty – but overall, it was a great day and long may it continue.

“It’s nice to see the vibrancy of the town centre again after being dead for so long. The best thing is seeing customers again, that gave me a real buoy.

“I’ve noticed that people prefer to shop local now, which is good. A lot of local businesses have gone under and it’s made people realise that they need to be supported or they won’t be here.”

Vince Ayris, owner of the engraving shop of the same name, added: “The positivity of the town shone through, we need to keep that going.

“It’s been brilliant, and so warming to see so many people out and about, it’s been sorely missed.

“The new planters look nice and vibrant, people are being sensible, and customers are happy that my door is open again.”

Music from The Caribbean Regals rang out from near the fountain at 11am with steel-drummed songs including ‘What A Wonderful World’ putting a spring in the step of shoppers.

Craig Storey said: “It was nice to see everyone feeling happy and brightened up by our music, especially after being stuck at home for so long, but still being sensible.

“We’ve been a band for 11 years and travel all over the place. This is our first time playing in the town centre, though we’ve played in other parts of Swindon – we’re from Birmingham originally and we’ll be back here in May.”

Administrator for inSwindon BID Julie Saunders said: “We wanted to bring a bit of cheer on this special day, they’re a great band and it’s lovely to see so many people here.”

Some people sat along Fleet Street and Bridge Street for a quiet cuppa or pint.

Steven Clark enjoyed a cup of coffee while sat at a table outside Caffè Nero. He said:

“This was a step forward and hopefully things will progress.

“I came here for takeaway coffees regularly but it’s nice to be able to sit down. I had a haircut booked in the afternoon, it’s good to go back to some sort of normality.

“I walked from Nythe, it’s a good four-and-a-half mile trek, exercise and a drink.

“The lockdown affected people’s mental health. I personally found the first lockdown and the change to one day over Christmas difficult. I understand the good reasons behind it but it’s gone on so long.

“I’ve started planning barbecues for the summer, when the weather gets better.”

The Sir Daniel Arms staff set up shelters over some of the outdoor tables to protect people from the elements.

Martin Uppy and his friend arrived within minutes of the pub opening at 9am.
He said: “It’s nice to be socialising again. I was there at 9am, the sixth customer, and he arrived at 9.30am.

“We hadn’t seen each other in a while – he almost didn’t recognise me with a beard.

“Steam Railway’s my local but here is good too. I had a table booked at the Fox and Hounds in Wroughton at 12.30pm. Why not make a day of it?”

His friend added: “I was just happy to be out, though it was a bit chilly.

“I came here early because I thought it might be busy but it’s not, I still stayed a couple of hours. It will be busier when the weather’s better.”

Tucked away around the corner from Primark, volunteers Zoe Beckett-Furnell and Heather Goldsmith from the Swindon Carers Centre gave away post-Easter treats for their clients to collect.

“This family focus event is done at least four times a year to coincide with half-terms so families have something to enjoy over the break. We’re always looking for sponsors and donations!

“We noticed how busy it’s been around here, which is good for the town centre, it’s more back to normal.”

Swindon Designer Outlet centre manager Tina Cumpstey said: “Overall, we have had a very successful first opening day, and are delighted to be welcoming customers back in a safe and Covid-secure environment.

“Customers were just as excited to be back and we’ve seen really positive numbers coming through our doors today with a great atmosphere.”