THE opening of Bobby's department store in Bournemouth's former Debenhams building is being delayed by a month - because workmen have been pinged by the NHS app.

Launch date had been set for August 7, but is now scheduled for Thursday September 9.

Director of Verve Properties, Ashley Nicholson said: "This week we have found ourselves in the unfortunate position of many of the workmen on our site having to isolate for 10 days having been pinged."

"The works to the inside have progressed well, the main delays affect the exterior.

"With timings already tight, the only responsible thing to do is to make a choice to delay the opening."

He added: "With the current situation affecting so many people, we’ve taken the decision to delay the opening by five weeks, which should allow everything to be fully ready even planning for the potential of future staff having to isolate.

"All staff and trading partners have been informed."