THURROCK'S B&Q store has led the way as the DIY supply company has begun to reopen its stores.

The store on Heron Way at the Lakeside Retail Park in West Thurrock, opened today (Friday, 17 April) for the first time in several weeks – though it has been operating a 'click and collect' service.

The company opened two stores today, West Thurrock and one in Paisley in Scotland. B&Q has said it is now in a position to "follow best practice" on hygiene and social distancing measures in order to keep its staff and customers safe.

Click and collect will no longer be available at the stores. Instead, they will be open to customers from 8am until 5pm.

A B&Q spokesperson said: "Similar to shopping at a supermarket, we've introduced social distancing controls at these re-opened stores.

"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."

Customers visiting the stores will only be able to buy products that are available to shop and takeaway on the day.

Services such as kitchen and bathroom design, paint mixing, timber cutting and key cutting are not available for the time being.

B&Q will also only be accepting card and contactless payments.

"We're urging all customers to follow the government's social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only for what is necessary" the spokesperson added.