THE CORNBOW shopping centre has thanked loyal customers for supporting it during lockdown after a number of shops signed up for new leases.

The Fruit Deli and A Write Card have renewed their leases and Hays Travel - which has taken over the Thomas Cook site has also taken out a lease.

Adrian Oliver, director of Cornbow owner Tansor REC, said: “These latest commitments are testimony to the loyalty of The Cornbow’s shoppers as well as the power of a well-run, convenient, shopping mall to weather difficult trading conditions.

“We’ve heard that we had more people through The Cornbow than Merry Hill in the lock-down.”

Over half of the Cornbow’s retail space - including Poundland, Heron Foods, B&M Bargains, Holland & Barrett, Savers, the Fruit Deli and Alan Warwick the butcher, all anchored by Asda – have continued to trade as essential front line services.

Asda continues to offer three hours of free parking.

Adrian said: “I’d like to commend the management – Eve O'Connor and her whole frontline team including every member of the security, cleaning and retail teams - for how they have coped so admirably at this difficult time.

“The majority of shoppers understand and support the social distancing measures.

"Initially, some people struggled to cooperate at first but often that was because it’s such a huge change.

"Keeping people safe – our team as well as shoppers - has always been our top priority.

“Covid-19 is a big test.

"Despite everything, the Cornbow has continued to shine through that test which is why people still like to shop here and that’s reflected in our healthy line-up of retailers.

"Thank you Halesowen.”