This is how you can shop and stay safe in Bury St Edmunds from today

All non-essential shops are allowed to open from today (Monday, June 15) after the government gave blessing for retailers to do so following safety guidelines.

Bury St Edmunds shoppers can expect to see a number of popular shops open - but perhaps not as they remember, with signs and restrictions likely to ensure a level of social distancing.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma gave the green light after deciding the government was making progress with its five tests for how progress was being made in suppressing the spread of the virus.

What will be open in Bury?

The arc shopping centre has confirmed big name brands such as Debenhams, H&M, Pandora, Peacocks, Superdry, River Island and Hotel Chocolat will be trading.

Our reporter Camille Berriman has the full details of the arc's opening, including the times.

Other shops in Bury St Edmunds that are set to open are Waterstones, the Body Shop, and Sports Direct.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of the Bury St Edmunds business improvement district, said: “There is a lot to think about as the town prepares to start trading fully again and of course there are still those in the hospitality sector who are waiting to hear about reopening dates.

"But in the meantime we are supporting our business members, all of whom want to open with all the responsible measures in place."

What about Marks and Spencer?

For so long a centrepiece store in Bury St Edmunds, Marks and Spencer will reopen its clothing offering alongside its food hall - but changing rooms will be closed for the next 90 days. This is the case for the majority of boutiques.

What will not be open?

Hairdressers, pubs, bars and restaurants will not be open until July 4 at the earliest.

Read more: Greene King maps out how its pubs could reopen

What safety measures are in place?

- The 2m rule is still in place, despite the government facing more questions about when it could be reduced. This is likely to see retailers instructing shoppers about where to stand while in queues.

- All shoppers are advised to wear face masks in public - however entry will not be refused for anybody not wearing one.

- Many shops will have hand sanitisers inside.

- There will be limits on how many people can enter a shop at one time.

BID chief executive Mark Cordell and, apparently, some of Bury's smokers are in favour of returning to normality.

Are car parks still open?

Car parks in Bury St Edmunds are set to operate as before.

West Suffolk Council had temporarily suspended parking charges, but these are now back. More information here.

And, what about the weather?

Shoppers can expect a sunny first day back for shopping. The Met Office has predicted sunny intervals and a gentle breeze with highs of 23degrees.