ACROSS Thurrock residents have been flocking to visit reopened garden centres, many of which have been trading through delivery only, but which are now able to open their doors to the public under strict guidance.

Previously Thurrock Nub News as spoken to the owners of Thurrock Garden Centre in South Ockendon, who told us about how they have kept going.

Today (Wednesday, 13 May) editor Neil Speight went along to the other side of the borough to visit Little Lodge Garden Centre on the High Road at Fobbing.

It opened its doors to the public for the first time today at 10am and there was a steady trade of people keen to stock up and get back into their gardens.

Owner Michael Kirby was delighted to be able to welcome familiar faces as customers came in – albeit from a safe distance.

He said: "We have come through the situation without too much loss of stick, fortunately we grown much of our flowers from seed so we have been able to manage things. We have lost some plants, but it's not to bad – and of course we were able to meet a demand by supplying through delivery.

"However, it's great to be back open. We have set in place a one way system through the centre and set out distance guidancing so it's hopefully all safe and people can take their time to pick their plants.

"We are still doing delivery and collection, but people have to place orders between 9 and 10am.

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You can visit Little Lodge's Facebook page here.