Castle Gresley home furnishing store Toons has reopened with strict safety procedures in place to protect customers and staff.

Toons closed on 23 March following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's strict coronavirus lockdown announcement and, within just a few days, many of its suppliers also stopped production and distribution.

But, following new Government guidelines the Burton Road warehouse and showroom reopened on Friday (22 May).

The warehouse is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday for incoming deliveries and to deliver goods to customers and for customer collections.

The showroom is open from 10am to 4pm daily with conditions and procedures in place.

Customers park as normal and then queue to the right of the entrance and await instructions.

Only 15 customers are allowed in the store at one time and a maximum of two people may shop together. No children will be allowed unless accompanied by one parent.

Gloves are not permitted, but the provided hand sanitiser gel must be used before going into the store.

Customers must maintain social distancing between staff and other shoppers and only card payments are being accepted.

The customer toilets are closed to customers, except for medical reasons, and the café will remain closed until further notice.

General Manager Huw Williams said: "All functions of the business have been risk assessed and the correct levels of protective measures are in place.

"We've seen a steady stream of customers since reopening.

"But we are operating on reduced staff levels, both in the warehouse and showroom, so we are asking customers to please be patient.

"All staff have been given the option to return or not - it's been their personal choice dependant on their circumstances.

"Should there be a need, we have more staff willing to work who can be taken off furlough."

Huw added that customers who had previous deliveries cancelled will be prioritised for Toon's delivery and fitting service.

The business is working with its suppliers to ensure customers awaiting goods to arrive will receive their orders as quickly as possible.

In both instances customers will be contacted directly by Toons.