HIGH streets, retail parks and shopping centres across Dorset were populated on Monday as some shops reopened their doors after a three month lockdown.

Following the Prime Minister's announcement that all non-essential shops can reopen from June 15, business owners and shoppers alike have been rejoicing at the news and enjoying the step closer to normality.

Although all shops in England are permitted to open, strict safety measures have had to be introduced.

These include floor markings to keep shoppers two metres apart, frequent distribution of hand sanitiser and plastic screens on the tills.

At Castlepoint Shopping Park, TK Maxx boasted a consistently long queue throughout the morning with a one-way system in place at the entrance and exit of the shop.

Further down the complex, shops were fairly quiet and had minimal queues.

However, for the branch of British book retailer Waterstones their peak had occurred the minute its doors opened to the public.

Store manager Lisa explained: "This is the first day we've opened and we had a big queue first thing this morning. It is a bit nerve-wracking when you first come in but it has been really lovely. We've had some of our regular customers back in and everyone's really pleased that we're open. This helped all the nerves go away."

In Bournemouth Town Centre, families, couples and more were standing in socially distanced queues to peruse the shelves of their favourite shops.

Particularly popular was Primark, Zara and H&M, with visitors also keen to visit Debenhams and JD Sports.

A few food retailers opened their doors to solely offer takeaway service.

Esquires Coffee on Old Christchurch Road has been open since June 1 offering takeaway, but it wasn't until today that visitor numbers increased.

Manager Ibrahim said: "We have been getting more trade lately but I was expecting today to be busier. We opened early to adapt to the new system and serve customers, which took us a good few days. The customers now know what to expect from us as well."

Esquires has a one-way system in the store and have cleared away all seating.

There are also large protective screens on the tills to protect staff and customers.

Ibrahim added: "It's good for the staff as they can practice the safety measures when it's not busy. We have a routine where every 15 or 20 minutes we go round the store and disinfect everything.

"It's going to be difficult for at least six months to a year, so it will be interesting to see what happens this summer as Bournemouth is a hot spot for tourists. I am worried, especially as we're on the high street. But we're going to have to try our best, everyone is in the same boat."

Just a few steps across the road, Fat Face also has strict social distancing measures in place by only allowing two customers in at a time.

One customer, Jordan, who has not lived in Bournemouth for 16 years, was disappointed that many of the shops remained closed despite being allowed to open.

He said: "The big stores like House of Fraser are not open and they could have been open and all mobile phone shops are shut. I wanted to swap my phone over but I can't do that. It's better to shop online."

Unlike Bournemouth Town Centre and Castlepoint, Christchurch had small queues and happy customers and business owners.

Owner of Eden Home & Boutique, Helen had a good first day.

She explained: "We've had a busy day, with the market being on as well it brings people into town. A lot of our lovely regular ladies have come in."

The market also meant that stall holder James Vincent of Vincent's Socks and Underwear Specialists could return to some sense of normality.

He said: "Everyone seems to be coming out and supporting us. Non-essential shops opening have definitely increased the crowds, there are a lot more compared to what we had when we first opened."

Milford on Sea residents Brian and Carole visited the high street every so often prior to the outbreak of coronavirus and were happy to return.

Carole said: "When our stock runs a bit short we come in and do seven things at once. It's nice to be able to get out and about."