Following updated guidance from the government, the Hillier Cheddar Garden Centre will reopen tomorrow (May 13).

Hillier say that, while they are pleased they can open their doors again, their priority is to ensure the safety of customers and staff alike, and therefore people will notice some changes on their next visit.

The opening hours will be 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays to allow the garden centre to restock and water outside of shopping hours. The coffee shop, restaurant and toilets will remain closed during this time.

There will be a limited number of customers in the centre at any time, with queuing two metres apart to enter, and two-metre social distancing markers will be seen throughout the centre, along with a one-way system.

Sanitiser stations will be located at the entrance to the centre for customer use, and the staff will only be able to accept card payments.

Under government guidelines, staff will not be able to offer assistance to customers in the usual way so be aware that they may not be able to load your car with heavy items during this period of social distancing.

To try and reduce waiting times and offer a pleasant experience for everyone, Cheddar Garden Centre will not be allowing family groups to enter, and no dogs except for service dogs will be permitted.

A spokesperson for Cheddar Garden Centre said: "Ever since the first news about the outbreak of Covid-19, we have been closely monitoring and following government advice across our business to best protect the health and safety of our customers and staff.

"As many of you will be aware, the government has now announced the next steps in this period of lockdown, and this means that garden centres are able to open this week, with social distancing measures in place.

"At this unprecedented time, we would like to thank Hillier staff for their hard work and commitment in extraordinary circumstances and our customers for their patience, concern and kindness.

"We appreciate that under normal circumstances our garden centre is a leisurely place to shop and browse, and we are proud to be a place that brings our community together.

"In this initial stage of opening, we are asking you to please work with us to make this a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

"Please do think about your fellow customers and the length of the queue, and help us to give everyone an opportunity to shop.

"We expect every customer to abide by social distancing guidelines and take whatever additional precautions you feel are necessary, such as face coverings."