Clarks Village in Street is looking forward to welcoming shoppers back when it fully reopens its retail stores on December 2.

Following the government announcement this week, village organisers are focused on implementing additional health and safety measures alongside queue management systems to ensure Christmas shopping is safe as well as enjoyable.

The following measures will ensure guests can be welcomed back to Clarks Village in the safest possible way:

• An enhanced queuing system will be introduced for entry to the centre and into stores, to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

• Additional staff have been employed to support the queue management as well as provide additional assistance for brands.

• Extended trading hours to offer shoppers more choice when to visit the centre.

• Hand sanitiser points will be located at the entrance/exits.

• A one-way/Keep Left system will be in place to ensure social distancing can be maintained and capacity will be limited.

• No stopping zones will be introduced at a small number of points within the mall area to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

• The wearing of face coverings while inside stores and toilet facilities will remain mandatory, and guests are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings in all public spaces. Staff have also been provided with masks.

• Signs, banners, posters, public announcements, and painted floor markers will help remind guests to keep a safe distance apart.

• Social media updates will inform guests of the centre's capacity, to help customers plan their visit.

Chris Davis, centre director at Clarks Village, said: "Safety is our highest priority.

"We're working hard to ensure we adhere to all government guidelines at Clarks Village, and will be continuing to take a robust approach to cleanliness and hygiene.

"As well as the thorough cleaning of the centre, we will be carefully managing the capacity and have employed additional staff to support us with the queueing system at the entrances as well as providing a little extra assistance for our retailers.

"In the lead up to Christmas, we will be extending our trading hours, providing guests the opportunity to visit Clarks Village during quieter times, and we will continue to update our website and social media platforms to ensure everyone is kept up-to-date with store opening times and offers, along with the best time to visit the centre and when we're nearing capacity.

"While Christmas shopping will certainly be different this year, we want shopping to feel as safe and as enjoyable as possible."