Bluewater is preparing to open on a wider scale using a one way system as lockdown restrictions are relaxed.

The Greenhithe shopping centre has been largely closed since March, with the exception of M&S Foodhall, Boots Pharmacy and Holland & Barrett, which were deemed essential businesses.

In an effort to ensure social distancing as further shops open, new signage and markings have been put in place, asking shoppers to follow a circuit round the centre in one direction.

News Shopper:

James Karat, 44, who spotted the new measures when picking up a prescription, said: "I think if it is managed properly then yes I would go back, but using this ridiculous one way system is not the answer.

"The answer is to limit the number of people in the centre at any one time

"I have been visiting the centre for 20 years, I know it very well. Believe me, this one way system will not work and will cause disruption and disturbance.

"Lastly it’s madness to tell people that when leaving a store and if you want to visit a shop on the opposite side of the “cordon” you have to walk all the way around the centre!

"It’s crazy and won’t work, please will just ignore the keep left signs.

"Security will not it be able to police it as they are cannot get any closer than 2 meters."

Boris Johnson announced the relaxation of certain lockdown measures on Sunday which came into effect today, allowing people greater time outdoors and for some specialist shops, such as garden centres, to open.

Should the number of infections and 'R value', which describes the average number of people an individual can expect to infect, remain sufficiently low, further shops could reopen next month.

Robert Goodman, Senior Centre Director for Bluewater, said: “M&S Foodhall, Boots Pharmacy, plus Holland & Barrett are already open and – following Government advice and guidance – we are working on plans for future store openings as and when it is safe to do so.

"The health and wellbeing of our guests, our colleagues and our contractors is paramount, so when guidance permits more stores to open, extra measures such as one-way access, two-metre distancing and extra cleaning will be in place.

"These safety measures build on successful operational models adopted by supermarkets across the UK.

"Store opening updates and trading hours will be updated on our social media channels.”