ONE of Chippenham’s prim shopping areas says it has worked around the clock to make its complex as safe as possible.

Charlie Reed marketing manager of Borough Parade is delighted that shoppers have returned in high numbers and new businesses are opening.

She said that a nail and beauty store has taken on a lease and the only shops that are yet to re-open are Argos, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Ecigwizard.

She said: “Argos and Edinburgh Woollen Mill are both re-opening but not until probably September. We don’t yet know about Ecigwizard.

“All other stores are open and footfall is picking up and it is starting to feel really busy.

“We are also delighted to announce that a new independent Nail & Beauty salon will be opening in the parade, opposite the O2 store, on Thursday.”

She said that people have said it is not just the shopping but also the social interactions that they have missed during lockdown.

“The centre team and individual stores have worked round the clock to reopen and make their environments as welcoming as possible, whilst implementing new procedures for hygiene and social distancing, “ she said.

“It’s great to see such local support and our customers feeling comfortable to shop with the current measures in place.

“We are so grateful for all our customers that have chosen to return and support our businesses.

“It’s been a tough time for retail and we need their support.

“We all know the convenience of shopping online but also hope people consider the wider community aspect of keeping our local shops going.”

Chippenham Town Council is holding meetings via Zoom and says Charter Market is going from strength to strength. It hopes Neeld Hall will open soon.