POUNDLAND will reopen one of its three Colchester stores tomorrow after temporarily closing it due to the third lockdown in England.

At the start of the third national lockdown the budget retail chain announced it would be placing stores in "temporary hibernation" despite being allowed to remain open as an essential retailer.

This included the Culver Street shop in Colchester.

Customers could still visit the Sheepen Road and Turner Rise shops.

The discount retailer closed 44 of its stores in January due to ongoing lockdown restrictions, but will be gradually opening them back up in the “coming weeks”.

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Poundland has dubbed its reopening plans as “Operation Spring Back”, which comes following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday (22 February) detailing the roadmap out of lockdown.

Of the 84 stores that are currently closed, a total of 29 will reopen from Friday (26 February) including 18 in England, five in Scotland, one in Wales, four in Northern Ireland and one in the Republic of Ireland.

The remaining 55 shops will then reopen to customers in the “coming weeks”, the retailer has said.

However, some stores that are based in larger shopping centres may have to wait until 12 April, when non-essential shops are permitted to reopen in England.

Poundland has said it is working closely with landlords and shopping centres on plans to reopen its stores.

Customers will have to continue to maintain social distancing while in stores, and regular cleaning will take place to ensure the safety of both shoppers and staff.

Poundland retail director, Austin Cooke, said: “We’re proud to have kept most of our stores open serving our communities with the essentials they need, but in some places, we couldn’t stay open when so many of our neighbours were forced to close.

“The roadmap is good news for retailers and our town centres which have such an important role to play in our recovery and our colleagues and customers will be delighted that we’re reopening in these locations, and so are we.

“Safety continues to be our first priority, and shoppers can return with confidence - we’re well versed in making our stores a safe place to shop. We’re all looking forward to giving them a warm welcome as they return.”