‘PENT-up frustration’ led to locals flocking to the shops and bars yesterday, The Oracle’s boss believes. 

Yesterday marked the latest relaxation of the government’s coronavirus restrictions as non-essential shops, hairdressers, gyms and outdoor hospitality were allowed to re-open.

Reading’s town centre was heaving with locals who defied the snowy weather to browse their favourite stores as soon as they lifted their shutters.

The crowds did not die down as the day went on, either, with dozens of people camped outside tucking into tasty meals or sipping pints at bars across the town into the evening. 

READ MORE: Pictures of busy Reading town centre as shops reopen

The Oracle was particularly busy, and shopping centre manager Andy Briggs told the Chronicle why he thought this was. 

He said: “It’s been a really good day. We’ve had positive feedback from our customers and retail. It’s been very busy, but a nice, controlled busy. 

Reading Chronicle:

“At 5.30pm there are still a lot of people around. We were expecting this, there’s a lot of pent-up frustration, people wanted to get back out, do their shopping and experience the retail and leisure offers.”

The boss said his team went through “a lot of planning” to get the shopping centre ready for April 12. 

READ MORE: Fun in the sun as shoppers return and beer gardens reopen

He added: “We had to go through a lot of legal requirements to get things back to where they need to be from a statutory health and safety point of view, but we’ve got a lot of covid measures. 

“There’s a one-way system throughout the centre, social distancing signage, all those bits and pieces to make sure we’ve got a safe environment.”

The shopping centre will have more for locals to enjoy as restrictions ease even further, with restaurants fully re-opening on May 17. 

Reading Chronicle:

And The Oracle will play host to a number of “experiential offers” throughout the summer, such as the big screen for Wimbledon tennis matches on the Riverside. 

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Andy continued: “It’s been challenging for everybody, for us as landlords, for the retailers, but that’s in the past now and we’ve got to make sure we look to the future and make the most of this great environment for our retailers and for our customers. 

“We’re always looking to the future, we’re changing things in and around the town centre on an ongoing basis.”

Reading Chronicle:

And for anyone who didn’t venture down to the town centre yesterday, Andy had a message.

He said: “Come down, be safe, hands, face, space, make the most of the fresh air; enjoy but be sensible whilst you’re here at the same time.”