SEATING will be reintroduced and social distancing posters will start to disappear in The Ryemarket shopping centre in Stourbridge as remaining lockdown restrictions are lifted across England.

New Ryemarket centre manager Aaron Powell said although shoppers are no longer required to wear a face covering when visiting the centre, from today (Monday July 19), some people may wish to - so regular reminders will be broadcast throughout the mall reminding visitors to make their own decisions.

He said: "We encourage customers to be respectful of individual choices whether they wish to wear a face-covering or not, and we will continue to supply hand sanitiser at all entrances and exits in the shopping centre for customer usage should they require it."

Social distancing posters and floor markings will gradually begin to disappear, he said - adding: "We will also be reintroducing some of our mall seating which a few of our customers have been eagerly requesting."

He said the lifting of final restrictions has been "very much welcomed by our retailers and more so for our leisure and hospitality operators who will be able to trade at an increased capacity" and he added: "Our team are excited to begin planning events at the shopping centre again, alongside welcoming some new stores in the very near future.

"The safety of our customers and staff is of the highest priority, and we would like to thank everyone for their support over the last 18 months as we take this next step together safely."