PLANS have been unveiled for the reopening of Thurrock's six charity shops that support St Luke's Hospice.

The hospice head of retail, David Emery, has announced a staggered reopening, that begins with the opening of two outlets, the shop in South Walk, Pitsea and the warehouse based in the Basildon Business Centre, Bentalls, on Monday, 29 June.

This will be followed by an additional four shops including Grays, Tilbury and South Ockendon (19 Derwent Parade) on Monday, 6 July and the remaining five, including Corringham, Chadwell St Mary and South Ockendon (6 Derwent Parade) unlocking their doors on Monday, 13 July.

For the safety of staff, volunteers and customers they will be enforcing a number of new rules:

• All the shops will exclusively take contactless payment (no cash transactions)
• Only a limited number of shoppers will be admitted in the shops at one time and two metre distanced queuing is expected
• Customers will be directed to use provided hand sanitiser before entry

Mr Emery added: "The opening up of our shops is very welcome, but our priority is the safety of our staff, volunteers and customers.

"We know our wonderful supporters have been holding onto donations for us, waiting for our shops to re-open. We're so grateful for the patience they have shown. The income generated from our shops is vital to sustaining our care for patients and we look forward to seeing many friends of the Hospice".

To maintain high hygiene standards, all donated items will be quarantined for 72 hours and sanitised before they are ready to be sold.

For more details of St Luke's Hospice shops and their location and opening hours click here.