A BASINGSTOKE shopping centre has had a “steady and encouraging flow of people” visit since re-opening on June 15.

Festival Place re-opened the majority of its retail outlets last week, in line with Government advice on easing lockdown restrictions.

The centre said it was unable to disclosure visitor numbers for “commercial reasons”.

However, centre director Neil Churchill told the Gazette the numbers had been “manageable”.

He added: “We’ve been pleased and excited to welcome visitors back to Festival Place and have seen a steady and encouraging flow of people in the centre since non-essential shops re-opened on June 15.

“The health and safety of all our visitors and colleagues is hugely important, and we are seeing very manageable numbers of people that enable everyone in the centre to follow social distancing measures, and minimise queuing times.

“With the announcement that other outlets including hair salons can reopen from July 4, we expect to see more people venturing out and returning to more normal shopping habits, and we look forward to welcoming them safely.”