Shoppers queue to get into Primark and Debenhams as lockdown eases in Bedford

Bedford town centre was packed in the spring sunshine today (Monday, April 12) with queues to get into Primark and Debenhams.

As lockdown eased, with pub gardens, shops and hairdressers opening for the first time in months, cafes and bars were busy with customers taking advantage of the dry weather to sit outside with friends at the Riverside and enjoy a drink or a meal.

And, despite the confusion of the continued closure of the High Street, and unfinished road repairs at Allhallows, people thronged to the town - with Primark opening at 8am to cope with demand.

Beckie from Bridges Espresso Bar - which had been open of takeaways throughout lockdown - said: “It’s looking good, people are loving being back and we’re getting back in to the swing of things - fast.”