Congleton shops and businesses have formed a retail association to share ideas and work together to make the town centre an even more friendly, welcoming and special place to visit as the lockdown restrictions start to ease.

From Thursday (2nd July), many of the shops and businesses in the town centre will be staying open late from 5-8pm.

Although initially introduced as a trial for a few weeks, if it proves popular with local people it could become part of the 'new normal'.

The late night opening is being led by Frank from Congleton Kitchen and Al from Stonehammer Music.

Frank said: "There is no better time than now to support your local shops and businesses in Congleton!

"Many have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and as restrictions start to ease and the town centre starts to open up again, we need you!

"The idea of the late night shopping on Thursdays is to encourage those who work until 5pm to be able to come into the town afterwards and shop locally and support the traders.

"They can also take advantage of free parking! "

Many of the shops and businesses in Congleton have been working hard to introduce measures to make it as safe as possible for customers to return and the traders can't wait to welcome you back!

The shopping experience may be a little different for a while, with numbers limited and a request not to handle products. Please be patient. The measures are designed to keep those working and shopping safe.

Shops planning to stay open late include:

Lawton Street

- 7th Heaven Bridal (appointment only)

- Compusat

- Congleton Bazaar

- Congleton Kitchen

- Norris Health

- Smith's Bait and Tackle

- Wendy's Pet Salon

- Willow Vintage & Gifts

High Street

- Bare Health

- Chris Hamriding Estate Agents (Subject to house viewings)

- Davenports of Congleton

- E-Cigolution

- Empire Menswear

- No 1. Health Kitchen and Hair Salon

- Shakeeze

- Stonehammer Music

Pedestrian Area

- Ballooning Marvellous

- Birch Jewellers

- Congleton Mobiles

- Crema

- Delia Metcalfe

- Glamorous

- House to Home

- Serenity Design

- Sweet Pea

- Victoria Baked Potatoes

- Wild & Wild

Little Street

- The Little Shop

Swan Bank

- Congleton Shoe repairs

- David James Menswear

Mill Street

- Factory Bed Shop

- Fonepart

- RJ & J Moore Greengrocers

- Shambala

After the initial late night opening on Thursday (2nd July), many hair and beauty salons as well as pubs and cafes should be joining in too.