WEBBS garden centres will be reopening this week following a relaxation of some of the coronavirus lockdown rules.

The popular garden centre in West Hagley will open on Wednesday May 13, as will the chain's Cheltenham store, following clarification from the UK Government that it can re-open.

Webbs at Wychbold, the company's flagship store, will also re-open on Thursday May 14.

Edward Webb, owner and chairman, said: "We know that spending time in our gardens is good for our physical and mental wellbeing, and we welcome the opportunity to once again open our doors to our customers and colleagues in as safe and welcoming environment as possible. That is why we have decided to delay the opening of our larger store at Wychbold to Thursday May 14."

New social distancing and health and safety measures will be put in place prior to welcoming customers and head of operations Nick Baker said: “We are reopening our stores to help our customers repair, improve and maintain their homes and gardens while staying at home - as well as shop from our local foodhall.

"It is important to us that our customers feel safe when they shop with us, so prior to making a trip, our customers will need to understand our new COVID-19 health and safety policy and our temporary store opening times."

To help people stay safe customer numbers will be limited and there may be queues outside at certain times.

Groups of no more than two people, including children, will be admitted - and all customers and staff will be required to keep two metres apart. New signs and floor markings will be in place to help.

Antibacterial stations and trolley/basket cleaning points will be provided at store entrances and throughout the stores.

All customer tills have been fitted with perspex screens to protect customers and colleagues and contactless payment limits have been increased and all transactions should be paid for by chip and pin or contactless whenever possible.

Restaurants, cafes and clothing departments will remain closed until further notice while current Government guidelines on social distancing remain in place.