SHOPPERS flocked back to Colchester town centre to mark the lifting of the last remaining coronavirus restrictions.

Yesterday residents were able to visit high street retailers without the legal requirement to wear a mask inside stores, on what some had dubbed Freedom Day - the last remaining step in the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

However, on a blisteringly hot day in Colchester town centre, many residents were still carrying their face coverings and choosing to wear them when inside their favourite retailers.

The directional signage in the town centre remains in place and most shops were still encouraging shoppers to use hand sanitiser when visiting.

The majority of Gazette readers said despite the rule changes, they would continue to wear masks in crowded space, with 75 per cent voting in favour in an online poll.

Town centre retailers said yesterday had marked a slightly slower return to “normality” than hoped, with not the same influx of shoppers as previous lifting of lockdown restrictions.

Gazette: Mark Laner, owner of Colchester Pet StoresMark Laner, owner of Colchester Pet Stores

Mark Laner, owner of Colchester Pet Stores, said: “It hasn’t made any difference to trade really.

“I have seen a couple of customers who have said they haven’t been in to town for 18 months.

“I would say 50 per cent of our customers come in wearing masks and the other 50 per cent don’t. It is now up to the individual if they want to wear them.

“I have been double vaccinated so I feel reasonably safe myself.”

He added: “There is no need to challenge people any more if they are not wearing a mask but I do still have a cordon inside for social distancing.”

Gazette: Lion Walk Shopping Centre on MondayLion Walk Shopping Centre on Monday

Jeanette Zaman, owner of Belle Love clothing store, said all of her customers had entered wearing masks.

She said: “I haven’t said anything to anyone.

“Personally that is what I would like to see. Cases are rising and I do think people will still be a bit wary about coming out.

“It is all about common sense and you have got to do what is best for you. I prefer people to wear a mask but I won’t say anything if people don’t - that is their choice.”

Read more:

Autumn Ruscoe, of Ellarose Boutique, said: “Some people are wearing face masks and some are not.

“I am wearing one myself when people come into the store but that is my choice.

“Things feel more positive now and I think more people will come back to the town centre. I just hope we don’t see any more lockdowns.”

Changes to face covering rules also mean there is no longer a requirement to wear them on public transport, however, many Gazette readers said they would continue to do so, at least for the time being.

Nicholas Chilvers said: “Professional opinion has changed since the start of the pandemic.

“Now well and truly considered effective in reducing transmission. Should continue to be law in certain settings.”

Louise Richards said: “I wear it to protect you - please wear it to protect me.”

Patricia O’Hagan-Crosby added: “I care about my community and don’t want to be responsible for someone catching Covid and getting long Covid or dying.”