A NUMBER of shops and national chains are preparing to reopen in Furness.

Businesses are gearing up for a return to trading after the Government announced that some retailers can open from next week, with all non-essential shops to follow.

Car dealerships and outdoor markets are among the shops that will be allowed to reopen on June 1.

Family-owned business Pye Motors - which has a branch in Barrow - will reopen its showroom on Monday.

Managing director Nick Payne said ensuring customer and staff safety was the ‘number one priority’ and the business had spent ‘an inordinate amount of time’ on it.

“We have put screens in customer-facing environments, masks and relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) are available for both customers and staff,” he said.

“We would normally expect customers to browse in a showroom and sit in a car and touch it and feel it. We would not necessarily encourage that (now).”

Another showroom set to reopen on Monday is Alan Myerscough Ltd in Ulverston.

Company director Emily Myerscough said there would be ‘safety measures’ in place such as hand sanitiser stations, a one in, one out policy and stickers on the floor to remind people to maintain two metres of distance.

“It’s difficult for people because no-one knows what’s going to happen I guess, and everyone wants to make it as safe as possible for customers and staff,” said Ms Myerscough.

“We have just got to try and get back to working safely and welcoming our customers back.”

Several national chains with a presence in south Cumbria have announced plans to reopen. Yesterday, McDonald’s revealed more than 1,000 of its restaurants would open up for drive-thru and delivery on June 4.

Greggs said it would reopen 800 branches in June but has not yet revealed which locations are included.

Halfords is set to reopen 53 of its stores across the country - but not the one in Barrow’s Cornerhouse Park. Businesses including pubs and hairdressers will not be allowed to reopen in June.