NON-essential shops have re-opened across Bracknell Forest today. 

While many shoppers have flocked to The Lexicon, stores have also opened up again in on Crowthorne High Street and Sandhurst High Street, too. 

In Crowthorne, Refresh and Creative Flooring are just two shops to have re-opened. 

LIVE: Huge queues form at The Lexicon

Councillor Marc Brunel-Walker, the council's economic development boss, said: "This is a really important step in our social and economic recovery from the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, I’d urge everyone who is visiting our shopping areas to respect all the social distancing and hygiene measures in place.

Bracknell News: Marc Brunel-Walker (left)Marc Brunel-Walker (left)

"They’re in place for your safety and the safety of our community. 

Are the toilets open at The Lexicon today?

“Please make sure you keep two metres apart from anyone outside your household at all times, shop alone if you can, wash your hands frequently and do not shop in any store if you are unwell or showing symptoms of COVID-19.”

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The council will be working with retailers and trade associations over the coming months to look at how a £108,000 grant for high street recovery could be used to help shops across the borough and boost the local economy.