A BASINGSTOKE book shop will continue to "encourage" its customers to wear face coverings and observe social distancing in its stores, even once legal limits are removed next week.

All laws surrounding face coverings and social distancing will end on Monday as part of step four of the government's roadmap out of lockdown.

But Waterstones will ask customers at its 283 stores across the country to still wear facing coverings and observe social distancing guidance because of its "enclosed browsing environment" and for the "safety of staff and fellow book lovers".

The full tweet from the chain said: "Following the lift of restrictions on 19 July across England, we will observe new government guidance.

"Given our enclosed browsing environment, we encourage our customers to wear face masks and observe social distancing, respecting the safety of staff and fellow book lovers."

Concerns have been raised about the dropping of all safeguards at the same time whilst Covid cases continue to rise.

Sadiq Khan has said face coverings will be mandatory on public transport in London, whilst Nicola Sturgeon said face coverings will continue to be needed in public spaces once restrictions are eased in Scotland.

A rail union boss has also warned that railway workers face the threat of violence because of the “botched and confused” approach to face coverings on public transport.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said staff will be placed in danger of abuse and assault.