Milton Keynes city centre shops to stay open for up to 11 hours a day as soon as lockdown finishes next week

Despite the city's new tier 2 'high risk' status, non essential shops can open with social distancing and safety measures in place.

But, because the shopping centre is classed as indoors, people will not be able to shop with people outside of their own households.

Hot of the heels of the government announcement this morning, intu announced it would be extending its hours in the run-up to Christmas - and even opening for nine hours on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile neighbouring centre:mk plans to open for 11 hours a day, between 9am and 8pm, from Monday to Friday each week, with a 7pm closure on Saturdays.

Socially distanced visits to Santa in his Peter Rabbit and Friends-themed grotto can go ahead, but must be booked here .

At intu, late night shopping take place on Thursdays and Fridays, when intu shops will be open from 9.30am until 8pm. On Saturdays they will close at 7pm, while the openings hours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be 9.30am until 6pm.

Shops at intu will be open on Christmas Eve until 6pm for last-minute ‘panic buys’, then re-open on Boxing Day between 9am and 6pm. They will be open on the New Year's Day Bank Holiday between 11am and 5pm.

Wearing a face covering in both centres will continue to be mandatory. .

The general manager of intu, Shelley Peppard, said the number of people inside the centre will continue to be monitored.

“Safety is our absolutely priority...We are pleased to be able to reopen for non-essential retailers and give our shoppers a feeling of Christmas magic," she said.

“Our Christmas lights will shine bright and illuminate the shopping centre as normal and festive music will play throughout to bring joy to everyone. Families will be able to do some festive shopping, visit our Après Ski Bar in Oak Court and visit one of the street food vendors. There is plenty to look forward to this Christmas at intu Milton Keynes.”

One attraction at intu will be the recently opened Indie Collective, featuring local independent businesses all selling their wares.

Shelley warned that individual retailer times may vary and shoppers should check the stores' websites before travelling.