A MAJOR shopping centre in Southend has announced it will re-open on June 15.

The Royals Shopping Centre will be implementing a one-way system with strict social distancing measures following the government advice that stores could re-open from June 15.

The centre wishes to ensure that customers feel safe and secure whilst shopping.

There will only be three entrance points open on Heygate Road, opposite Southend Bus Station, plus the High Street and via the first floor of the car park.

A one-way system to follow and floor stickers will guide customers through the flow system with ease.

The customer care team will be on hand to assist and there will be guidelines at information points in the malls and as people enter the centre.

The centre has also said it will bring in queuing measures if the shops become to overcrowded.

There will be a number of sanitisation stations in the centre, and reminder notices to cleanse after making contact with fixtures such as the cash point and car park payment facilities.

Contactless card payments are recommended where possible.

The second level of the car park will be re-opened for people to "shop and go" but toilet facilities will be closed, and some stores may operate on different opening hours than before.

Dawn Jeakings, centre manager, said: "We want the re-opening transition to be as safe as possible for our loyal customers.

"Our customer care team will be on hand to assist with any questions our customers have, and ensure that the shopping experience is as easy and as convenient as possible.

"We do have to make adjustments to make this possible and we feel secure that this has been achieved.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say a heart-felt thank you to the NHS and all keyworkers who have kept this country going throughout these most unprecedented times."