FOLLOWING this week's announcement that select B&Q stores would be reopening across the UK, throngs of people have been seen queuing up outside the Reading store.

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Pictures circulating on social media today (April 25) show crowds of people lining the streets outside B&Q at Reading Gate Retail Park, Acre Road.

Customers queuing across the entire car park can be seen stood apart waiting to go into the store.

More than a month into lockdown, the company announced earlier this week that 75 stores would be reopening, including Reading's.

The DIY stores closed on March 25 and since then customers have only been able to use home delivery and click and collect services to buy items.

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Reading Chronicle:

Pic: Paul King

The chain has confirmed that a range of social distancing measures will be in place in all of the reopened stores.

A spokesperson for B&Q said earlier this week

"Having watched other essential retailers support social distancing in their stores, we are now following their best practice and are re-opening some stores with strict social distancing measures in place."

The chain is limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, with customers typically queueing before entering stores.: "As an essential retailer, we’re committed to providing the best possible service to support customers’ home improvement needs at this difficult time, while keeping customers and colleagues safe.

If you were at B&Q Reading today get in touch with your experience and pictures taken. Email: olivia.gantzer@newsquest.co.uk