LOCAL reports of the closure of Broad Street Mall due to coronavirus have been thrown out by the owners.

News circulated on social media yesterday that the shopping centre in Reading's town centre was planning to close temporarily on Friday.

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The posts being shared claimed this closure to the public was in relation to the Covid-19 outbreak.

It was also being reported that Primark and House of Fraser could be closing due to the virus as well.

But Broad Street Mall bosses have said it is not true and the shopping centre has no plans to close.

Nicola Williamson, centre manager at Broad Street Mall, said: “These are incredibly challenging times for the public and businesses alike.

"We’re doing all we can to maintain a business-as-usual approach while maintaining the health and wellbeing of centre staff, store teams and our customers until otherwise directed by the local health authority, the government or the World Health Organisation.”

The mall has put in place additional precautionary measures, like cleaning surfaces with anti-bacterial cleaning agents. 

All toilets have antibacterial soap in dispensers for the public to use. Staff working at the mall are encouraged to stay home if they feel unwell. 

A spokesman for the shopping centre said official advice is being monitored, and any changes to opening hours or operational procedures will be announced on the Broad Street Mall website and on social media.