Robert Jenrick, the Local Government Secretary, has today announced that retail stores will be allowed to open around the clock if they choose to without the need to apply to the council for permission.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Robert Jenrick said: “None of us, I suspect, enjoys navigating the crowds, and none would relish that when social distancing is so important to controlling the virus,” Mr Jenrick wrote.
“These changes mean your local shops can open longer, ensuring more pleasant and safer shopping, with less pressure on public transport.”
Before this announcement, shops would have had to apply to Swindon Borough Council to open past 7pm.
The decision comes as a way to increase sales during the Christams period, and will also spread shoppers out throughout the day meaning less crowds.
