More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A popular garden centre chain will reopen all of its 54 branches tomorrow - including two in Kent.
Dobbies, which has centres at Ashford and Gillingham, will install measures to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed.
The restaurants and soft play areas will remain temporarily closed, however the sites will offer a takeaway menu including hot and cold drinks, soups, toasties, panini and selected bakery items from Friday.
Club Plus members will be able to redeem their hot drink credits and birthday treat vouchers.
Safety measures for customers and staff have been installed, including till-side screens, PPE and hand sanitising and trolley cleaning stations.
Two-metre markers will also be put in place outside the centres to allow people to safely queue.
A limited number of customers will be allowed in the stores at the same time to further reduce infection risks.
Another Ashford favourite, Longacres Bybrook Barn in Kennington, will also be opening tomorrow.
Graeme Jenkins, chief executive of Dobbies, said: “We have taken care to ensure we are following guidance provided by the Government, British Retail Consortium and Horticultural Trade Association to reopen responsibly.
“Our team is well prepared, social distancing measures are in place and we look forward to welcoming customers back into our stores in Kent and across England.
“I would like to thank our team members and customers for their understanding during these uncertain times.”
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