A NUMBER of small Chippenham shops are starting to open their doors and need support from their customers.

The Chippenham One Website run by the Borough Lands Charity is supporting them and urging people to shop local.

Among those who have listed their new opening hours are: Cousin Norman’s (opens today & from 10.30-2.30 initially); Just because you love it (opens from 10am today); Find a Dress Bridalwear (by appointment); Hand of Glory (Fridays & Saturdays 10-4pm); Paprika (opens today & from 10-4pm initially); The Bay Tree Chippenham (openened Monday).

Meanwhile, in sleepier Calne, small shops cracked open the blinds on Monday - and reported their best trading day ever.

Christa Phillips the owner of The Little Button Jar on Church Street only opened her haberdashery store two weeks before lockdown. Then she had to close for 12 weeks - until Monday.

"It's been really amazing, and people have been buying lots of things to make masks, such as fabric and elastic. A lot of people are coming in to top up their sewing supplies after so long in lockdown.

"We went online in between times but we are raring to go and we have had our busiest days yet. People are being great at social distancing - everyone has got the hang of it. It's been really lovely."

One of her customers, Shirley Burton told us she lost her job as the manager of Marlborough's Cath Kidston shop when the group pulled out from the High Street. She was in the shop to top up supplies having just launched a sewing business.

"We got notice three days before furlough pay was announced so we didn't get paid. So I have set up Daisy's which is a sewing business making curtains, bags, cushions, bunting. Anything that people want," she said. "It's like sewing heaven in here, and this is the first time I've come into the shop."

Sarah Trueman, owner of The Gift Box, also on Church Street, said: "It's been really, really busy since we opened, There has been someone in here most of the time so much busier than normal. Some people are nervous about being out, others aren't. But people seem to like what we've done, we made it one way, and put hand sanitiser out and we are letting people try on clothes too."

Anna and Phoebe Romain were out for a mother and daughter birthday present hand bag buying trip and said they felt very comfortable out shopping and said they would be happy to keep on shopping.