Deserted streets and shops with their shutters down once again... this is what Wythenshawe high street looks like in lockdown

It's not the first time we've seen the high streets of Manchester left empty... but this time we really do hope it will be the last.

As the country comes to terms with a third national lockdown, Wythenshawe's Civic Centre became something of a ghost town once again.

A few people could be seen spotted on their way to the local ASDA, but with all non-essential shops ordered to close, there a few reasons for people to be out.

Most shops had their shutters down after being ordered to close (ABNM Photography)

Small businesses including gift shops, hairdressers, travel agents and charity shops - which would usually be thriving at this time of year - all had their shutters down.

On a normal sunny lunchtime, the Civic Centre would usually be filled with people popping into a local cafe's for their dinner, or milling about amid the January sales hunting for a bargain.

With non-essential shops closed there is little reason for people to be out (ABNM Photography)

Sadly, there was none of that today, and residents here are beginning to forget what a 'normal' day feels like.

Greater Manchester has been under some kind of lockdown measure for six months now, and the effect on local businesses has been devastating.

All non-essential shops had been ordered to close since the region was placed into Tier 4 on December 31.

But now the current government messaging has changed once again to the all too familiar 'stay at home,' the streets of Wythenshawe have become pretty much deserted.

On a normal sunny lunchtime, the Civic Centre would usually be filled with people (ABNM Photography)

On Wednesday (January 6) lunchtime, a handful of people could be seen standing outside the Halifax bank, with others taking advantage of the winter sun to go for a walk.

Wythenshawe interchange, and the Civic Centre Metrolink stop was practically empty, with one or two people spotted waiting for a bus or tram.

With no real indication of how long the latest national lockdown could last, there is fear among the high street that many small businesses won't survive.

Wythenshawe interchange was practically empty today (ABNM Photography)

Around 69pc of small businesses in the UK have announced they are now in debt, with 40 per cent saying the level of debt is 'umanageable.'

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has confirmed a £4bn support package for businesses in retail, leisure and hospitality, but there are fears this won't go far enough to see all businesses through the next lockdown.