Many shops in north-west London reopened their doors for the first time in almost three months as customers were encouraged to ‘shop safe and shop local’.

Harrow Council said social distancing measures had been observed throughout the town centre as shoppers returned to the borough’s high streets.

There were queues outside some shops with customers making use of spacing markers and signage put out by the council and Harrow Business Improvement District (BID).

The BID team reminded people to bring water, particularly with the warm weather, and thanked everyone for their patience.

Harrow Council said it was looking forward to inviting people back to the high streets in a bid to revitalise the local economy.

But it stressed that safety remains the priority and noted that shoppers should return later in the week if things are busy and their visit is not essential.

It added there are plans to reopen some sections of the personal care, hospitality and leisure industry from July 4 and it would be working with businesses about how to manage this.

This includes making use of any outside space for restaurants, pubs and cafes, as well as the introduction of clear signage to promote social distancing measures.

There was a similar message from neighbouring Brent Council, who stressed that everyone must do their bit to help reduce the spread of coronavirus while shopping.

This includes observing social distancing guidelines and respecting shop’s decisions on the number of people allowed in at any one time.

Cllr Shama Tatler, responsible for business at Brent Council, said: “The easing of restrictions on these non-essential businesses will be a relief to many and hopefully support our valued local businesses, but it won’t be an immediate return to business as usual, as it was before lockdown began this year.

“We have to remember that sadly Brent has some of the highest number of Covid-19 deaths and cases in London.

“It is on all of us to remain vigilant, to maintain social distancing and help stop the spread of the virus.”

She added that businesses who fail to adhere to the council’s and the Government’s guidance could face enforcement action.