Long queues outside B&Q in Cardiff as store reopens for the first time since lockdown

Dozens of people queued up outside of B&Q in Cardiff this weekend as the store re-opened for the first time since March.

The city's Culverhouse Cross location is one of 14 sites to open for business as part of a social distancing trial.

Since closing due to the coronavirus pandemic, customers have only been able to use click and collect services.

The store has reopened for the first time since March (Rob Browne)

The DIY brand said it has implemented a number of safety measures and is "now in a position to follow best practice".

In a statement, a spokesperson for the chain said: "As an essential retailer, we’ve watched other essential retailers support social distancing in their stores and are now in a position to follow best practice and re-open a small number of our stores as a trial, while keeping our colleagues and customers safe.

Dozens of people were in the queue shortly after the store opened on Sunday (Rob Browne)

"We’re strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, and so customers may need to queue before entering the store.

"To help remind everyone to respect each other’s personal space, we have two metre floor markers throughout these stores and also perspex screens at the checkouts."

To limit contact between shoppers and employees, only cards and contactless payments will be accepted.

The Cardiff B&Q saw dozens of eager shoppers queuing outside shortly after opening on Sunday (April 16).

But the brand has reminded customers they should only visit for necessary items.

"We’re urging all customers to follow the government’s social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only for what is necessary," B&Q said.