A GARDEN centre which reopened last week has temporarily changed its opening hours to give staff more time to re-stock and prepare for customers.

Heaton Fold Garden Centre’s weekday opening times will now match those at the weekend.

The centre in Overdale Drive, off Chorley Old Road, will be open every day from 10am to 4pm, an hour later than usual opening times for weekdays.

The council-run horticultural business had been closed as part of the coronavirus lockdown but reopened on Friday, May 15, with new measures in place to ensure social distancing guidelines were followed.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “The first weekend opening of the council-run centre was a great success, with many customers making very positive comments about the social distancing measures that had been put in place to make their visit safe.”

Free on-site parking is available at the centre and two-metre markers have been put outside the centre to allow people to queue safely.

A signposted one-way system is in place inside the centre where staff will be on hand to assist customers and ensure appropriate distancing.

Only a limited number of customers will be allowed in the centre at the same time to further reduce infection risks.

Perspex screens have been installed at tills, and payment will be only be taken by card.

The café and toilets will remain closed.

People are encouraged to shop individually – groups and those with dogs are not allowed.

The centre’s recently-introduced home delivery service will be suspended temporarily to allow the team to focus on the centre reopening to the public.

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