SHOPPERS flocked to Bournemouth town centre to make the most of the last day before the second national lockdown.

Hundreds of people were seen walking up and down Old Christchurch Road and Commercial Road in Bournemouth purchasing last minute items before non-essential shops close for four weeks from today.

Retailers including H&M, Zara, The Body Shop and Primark had a constant flow of customers through their doors, with some having to queue outside.

Primark was particularly busy, allowing around 300 customers in at a time, with staff saying they had been busy since 11am.

One shopper said: “I didn’t particularly need to get anything; I just want to go to the shops whilst I still can

“I’ve got a few Christmas presents. Now’s the time to get organised with presents.”

Another Bournemouth resident said: “I have got my kids their advent calendars and a few sticking fillers. The rest of the presents I will be able to get online.

“It is a shame the high street has to close because a lot of shops were just getting back on their feet after the last lockdown, but it is the right call in order to stop the spread of the virus.”

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Amongst the crowds, BCP Council’s Covid marshals and Town Centre Rangers from Bournemouth Town Centre BID were on the streets providing assistance and overseeing shoppers.

One Covid marshal said: “There are plenty of people around getting last minute bargains, but we have not had any issued so far.

“It will be interesting to see what it will be like on Thursday.

“Most people now know the rules and are sticking to them. We are just here to educate and help those who may have queries or issues and to spot anything that goes against the Covid-19 restrictions.”

Some small businesses, including the council-owned Hedgehog café situated in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, were still unsure as to whether they were able to operate during the lcokdown.

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Andrea Ernandez at The Hedgehog café said: “We do not know what will happen, everyone has been asking whether we will be open or not.

“We may be able to still do takeaway food and coffees and do deliveries, but I know the council are trying to solve that situation.”

However, many people were more concerned about getting outside and meeting up with friends and family members before the four-week lockdown.

Andrea added: “It has been pretty busy today. People want to enjoy the weather and get out whilst they are still able to.

“A week or so ago, it was pretty busy, and we were having a lot of customers. But since Boris Johnson talked about the lockdown, people have been staying in their homes and it has been a lot quieter.”

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A Bournemouth University student said: “We thought we might as well get out and enjoy the weather whilst we still can. We have bought a few things but nothing much.

“It is going to be weird during lockdown. People won’t be able to get out and do stuff as much as they did earlier in the year because it is getting colder and darker.

“I was looking forward to the Christmas Market this year so I am a bit gutted it has been cancelled.”

The Bournemouth Town Centre BID are looking to support businesses through the second lockdown and are encouraging people to continue shopping locally with their Christmas shopping.

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Town Centre BID chief operating officer, Paul Kinvig said: “It was quite busy today with a lot of people coming into the town centre just to take advantage of the retail shops.

“There are some really innovative stories in the town centre of businesses who have adapted how they operate to conform to the Covid-19 restrictions and others who have really boosted their online presence.

“It is a testament to Bournemouth businesses, that in spite of such massive difficulties, they are still innovating and doing their best to generate income.

“This is a key time for some businesses with Christmas shopping. We want people to celebrate Christmas and enjoy shopping for Christmas gifts. If people are going to do their Christmas shopping online, look to see if you can do it through local businesses.

“We want people to continue supporting these businesses who have been here for years and help them through the Christmas period.”