Pictures tell the story of Covid lockdowns in Colchester

March 23, 2020, is a day which will live long in the memories of residents.

It was the first day we were officially ordered to "Stay at Home" and only leave our homes for essential reasons.

Streets across north Essex were left deserted almost instantly as people did their bit to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

At the time we had little idea how long the restrictions would last and no way of predicting quite how much our lives would change over the next year.

Here is the story of lockdown in photos:

Lockdown one - March 2020

After restrictions were introduced last year we sent photographer Steve Brading to Colchester town centre to capture what was a historic day for the borough and the UK.

Read more >>> Colchester's streets deserted as the lockdown begins

 

• Police patrol a deserted Colchester town centre. Picture: Steve Brading

His pictures show the streets deserted as the Government's Stay at Home message clearly got through to residents.

 

• Head Street in Colchester was almost abandoned. Picture: Steve Brading

Major routes including the A12 and the A120 were free of rush hour traffic and barely a soul could be seen in Colchester town centre and the railway station sat empty.

 

• Colchester North Station at the start of the first national lockdown. Picture: Steve Brading

Shop shutters also closed across the town as non-essential retailers and hospitality firms were told to shut.

 

• A postman walks a quiet Colchester town centre. Picture: Steve Brading

Lifting of restrictions - June 2020

Three months later and the restrictions were eased so that town centre shops could reopen.

On June 15, Colchester town centre was bustling with activity as people looked to take advantage of their newfound freedom.

 

• Shoppers queue outside Fenwick in Colchester High Street

There were long queues outside some retailers as customers returned to get their shopping fix on the first day of reopening.

 

• Queues outside Sports Direct in Head Street

Shoppers and traders also had to rapidly get used to new rules for shopping, such as face coverings becoming compulsory and only a certain amount of people being allowed in at one time.

Read more >>> Long queues at Primark and Sports Direct as Colchester reopens

 

• A bustling Lion Walk Shopping Centre on June 15

Lockdown II - November 2020

Sadly it wasn't long before retailers faced more bad news.

The second national lockdown came into force in November due to spiralling Covid rates.

It was hoped a short lockdown period would allow shops to reopen in December for the crucial pre-Christmas trade.

Lockdown II ended on December 2 but the reprieve was short lived.

Tier 4 - December 2020

Due to spiralling case rates in London and the south east of England, Essex was one of the places plunged into Tier 4 restrictions.

Colchester actually remained in Tier 2 but most of the county moved into the toughest restrictions on December 19.

However, from Boxing Day, all non-essential retailers in the town were forced to close as the rest of Essex also entered Tier 4.

On what would normally be one of the busiest shopping days of the year, the streets were once again deserted.

 

• An eerily quiet Colchester High Street on Boxing Day

Read more >>> Photos show deserted Colchester town centre as borough enters Tier 4

Just a few food and essential shops were open to customers as we explored the town centre.

 

• The statue outside Fenwick had a mask added

The Tier 4 news was a huge blow to retailers, who had already been through two national lockdowns.

 

• Head Street was deserted on Boxing Day

Sadly there was more bad news to come.

Lockdown III

On January 6 England entered the third national lockdown, which we are still under today.

Restrictions have been eased slightly, allowing children to return to school on March 8.

Further restrictions are set to be eased on March 29 when groups of six will be allowed to meet outdoors.