Spalding shop closes its doors

A popular store in the town is shutting down amid the coronavirus crisis.

Hills Department Store has taken the temporary measure following guidance from the government.

In a statement posted online yesterday (Sunday) it said: "It is with a heavy heart that Hills Department Store have decided that we will be temporally closing our doors at 5.00pm Monday 23rd March until, as in the words of Boris Johnson, we have 'turned the tide' on COVID-19.

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"We believe that the health and well-being of our staff, customers and friends transcends our business being open and we must do our bit to support the country in doing the right thing and stay indoors.

"Our human nature is to socialise and our company philosophy has always been to welcome you into our store, but now we unfortunately all have to be socially responsible and retract from the world for however long it takes to 'send it packing'.

"We are not essential retail and therefore cannot risk the safety of all who are important to us, the heartbeat of our store.

"We will see you on the other side and our doors will open again with such a sense of relief, excitement and happiness.

"We thank you all for your support and more than ever we can’t wait to see you all again soon.

"Take care, be safe and be responsible."

The news comes as a food store confirmed it will be reducing its opening hours during the crisis.