'Wrap up warm' - Meadowhall tells shoppers to come prepared to queue after centre fills up on bank holiday weekend

Non-essential shops reopened at Sheffield’s main out-of-town shopping centre on April 12, and the popular retail and entertainment complex has been busy ever since.

But yesterday, perhaps driven by the damp bank holiday weekend weather, the numbers of people attending were especially high.

This meant shoppers were forced to queue in designated areas outside the centre until it was safe for them to enter.

However, typically British bank holiday weather meant this was uncomfortably cold and wet for many, leading centre managers to issue a plea to anyone hoping to visit them this weekend to come prepared and wrap up warm.

A spokesperson said: "We’re carefully managing visitor numbers today, so we can be confident that everyone can maintain social distancing.

“As our centre is now at capacity, we are currently asking all arriving visitors to kindly queue in a designated area outside until it is safe for them to enter.

“If you’re planning to visit today please prepare for the weather and make sure that you are wrapped up warm.

“Our stores are open until 8pm today, and from 11am-5pm tomorrow, with quieter times usually before 11am or after 3pm.

“Thanks for your support. The Meadowhall team.”

When non-essential shops reopened at Meadowhall on Apri 12, more then 200 people were waiting for Primark to open at 8am.

And earlier this week, a major retailer confirmed it was looking to expand its Meadowhall store after revealing strong sales since reopening.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.