Huge queues as shoppers flock to Sheffield city centre on last day before lockdown

The last day before lockdown saw queues and busy streets in Sheffield city centre as shoppers took advantage of their final chance to buy.
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On Thursday (November 5), all non-essential stores will be forced to close their doors as part of a national lockdown aimed at halting the spread of coronavirus.

Announcing the strict restrictions on Saturday, October 31, Prime Minister Boris Johnson also told the nation that pubs, restaurants and leisure facilities will close for four weeks – until Wednesday, December 2.

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Pictures showed the Moor thronged with people eager to do some last-minute shopping while many of the city centre’s streets and car parks were clogged up with cars.

The Moor was busier than it has been in weeks.The Moor was busier than it has been in weeks.
The Moor was busier than it has been in weeks.

Busy stores included Card Factory on the Moor where customers queued for what may be their last chance to buy before the busy Christmas period.

Restaurants can continue providing a takeaway service during the lockdown while pubs will still be able to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises thanks to a Government u-turn.

Diane Jarvis, the manager of Sheffield BID, an organisation which represents city centre businesses, said firms would need all the help they could get if they were to come out of the latest lockdown unscathed.

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She said: “November and the run up to Christmas is always critical to the financial health of many businesses. They rely on this crucial trading time to see them through the quieter winter months. The national lockdown will have a significant impact on their profitability over the next 12 months.

Thousands of people flocked to the city centre for their last chance to shop before lockdown.Thousands of people flocked to the city centre for their last chance to shop before lockdown.
Thousands of people flocked to the city centre for their last chance to shop before lockdown.

“Businesses have already done everything possible to operate safely but they are now weakened financially, so it is much more challenging for them now to survive further closure.

“Protecting public health is vital, but without proper financial support we fear for the survival of many sectors, trades and supply chains that make up our high street.”

Traders at The Moor Market in Sheffield are campaigning to remain fully open during lockdown in a push for ‘parity with supermarkets’.

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Bosses say the venue should be treated like a Tesco or Morrisons because it is just as safe and clean. But it has the advantage of supporting 70 local independents, some of which face ruin.

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.