Live updates as shops reopen in Leeds city centre for Tier 3 lockdown

Non essential shops have reopened in Leeds, as clothes superstore Primark, furniture giant IKEA and music retailer HMV throw open their doors again.

Leeds is subject to Tier 3 restrictions which means households are not able to mix indoors and pubs, bars and restaurants cannot reopen.

However, high street and independent shops are now open - with strict Covid safety measure in place.

Leeds city centre was busy with people getting in their Christmas shopping but it was not overwhelmingly so, though footfall did pick up around lunch time.

Nicola Irvine, 37, from west Leeds said: “I just came in to get my Christmas shopping over and done with.

“It would have been nice to be able to meet up with my sister and maybe go for lunch.

“I thought there would be huge queues but it has been absolutely fine.

“I’ve have done some Christmas shopping online but you want to see certain things in person. I can’t do my primark haul online!”

Sisters Amelia Tooze, 27, from Yeadon, and Isabelle Tooze, 25, Moortown, also came in early to do their Christmas shopping.

Amelia said: “we came in at 9 because we were worried it would be really busy but it’s been fine.

“We’ve done some Christmas shopping but it’s nice to do it in person. It’s also just nice to get dressed up for someone thing.”

Isabelle added: “Yeah it’s just nice to do something that isn’t a long walk in the countryside.”

One man, who did not want to be named but frequenters of Leeds will know as the Hot Chestnut Man, said: “we’ve been here throughout lockdown as we’re a food businesses but no one has been interested.

“I’ve manned this cart for 15 years and I’ve worked with the family business for 50, since I was 16. It’s just not the same after Covid. We couldn’t work the summer fairs and have less trade.

“It’s only early days today but I’ve told my boss not to expect a lot today, I think trade will pick up over the weekend when people are off work”

Keep following for the latest updates.