HIGH streets and shopping centres will emerge from lockdown on June 15, but Debenhams has confirmed it will not re-open its Southend store on June 15.

Debenhams will be re-opening 50 stores in England as lockdown guidelines are eased.

Southend’s Debenhams branch at the Royals is not on the list of those set to re-open but despite the previous uncertainty surrounding the store’s future, it is not on the list of stores to “permanently close”.

It is unclear why Debenhams has chosen against re-opening the Southend branch, but the Echo revealed in April that the Southend site would not close permanently as the firm battled administration.

But while Debenhams remains closed for the moment, a host of retailers have confirmed they are reopening across south Essex.

Steven Cook, managing director at Debenhams, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to our stores in the coming weeks.

“From the installation of Perspex screens at till points to the roll-out of social distancing procedures and PPE, we have been working hard to ensure our colleagues and customers can work and shop with confidence.

“Our reopening plans follow the successful conclusion of lease negotiations on 120 stores, meaning that the vast majority of our stores will be reopening.”