A garden centre boss is urging the industry to stick to the latest set of government guidelines and unless they are offering essential items, to close until retail restrictions are lifted.
Chris Bonnett who runs Bonnetts Garden Village in Brentwood has voluntarily taken the decision to shut his doors to keep staff and customers safe as the latest wave of COVID19 infections spread across the country.
He believes garden centres should only open if they’re selling essentials like pet food and fuel and if they’re not, they should shut.
He’s also concerned that lockdown fatigue will force shoppers to browse the aisles of any retailer allowed to remain open rather than stay at home and stay safe.
Chris says now is a good time for the industry to go into winter hibernation to be ready to fully reopen in the spring when warmer weather will drive customers outdoors into their gardens.
The gardening sector was hit hard last year when the first lockdown was announced with outlets being forced to shut their doors to the public.
During the November lockdown, garden centres were given essential status which has been retained this time round.