A STEADY stream of shoppers returned to Hereford city centre today as non-essential stores opened for the first time since the end of March.

A queue of shoppers eagerly awaited the opening of Primark and Wilko with some lining up 45 minutes before the shops opened.

The line soon disappeared once the stores were open.

Shops had hand sanitizer ready for shoppers to use and also had several other safety measures in place.

On the narrower streets around Maylord Shopping Centre shoppers were urged to walk on the left to avoid bumping into others.

The Old Market also urged customers to walk on the left and a barrier was placed in the middle of the street to separate shoppers.

Hereford Butter Market also re-opened with a host of traders selling their products for the first time since the end of March.

The market has enforced a one-way system with the entrance from the High Town side of the building.

Stall holders also encouraged shoppers to use a range of safety measures.

"We've got hand sanitizer for people to put on and anyone who comes to the store and anybody who wants to browse and look through the comics, I've got rubber gloves for people to put on," said Andy Cumber, of Q Comic Store.

"I've not done any businesses since we finished on March 23. I was going to do a delivery and drop-off service, but has this is deemed as non-essential, I just thought it wasn't essential.

"People have reserved books on social media so I knew it was going to continue at some point, but now is the time for me to start getting some revenue back in again.

"Come down if you feel safe enough to do so and are ready to at this time. Different people have got different outlooks on this. As long as people are happy to come down and abide by the one-way system and social distancing rules then come and support us, but only when you feel ready too."