Surreal aerial images show huge queues of socially-distanced shoppers waiting to get into their local B&Q store in Nottinghamshire, which sits just yards away from an NHS hospital currently treating coronavirus patients.
The DIY retailer had been closed since the end of March, when the UK went into lockdown to try and help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Customers were able to use click and collect service to purchase goods, as hardware stores were included on the government's list of essential retailers.
Advert
While the government measures remain in place, recently B&Q has started gradually reopening its doors to customers at branches across the country.
The BBC reports that the company started with a trial of 14 stores over the weekend, followed by 61 outlets reopening on Wednesday and another 80 on Thursday.
Today (Thursday 23 April), queues of shoppers could be seen snaking around a car park at a store in Sutton in Ashfield, which has King's Mill Hospital situated close by.
Advert
B&Q said it has brought in social distancing controls, including capping the number of customers in store and introducing two-metre floor markers.
One customer, who wished to remain anonymous, said she felt the measures inside worked well when she visited the store to buy some plants for her garden.
She said: "With the nice weather, we are trying to do what we can in the garden so I thought I'd pick up a few plants and shrubs.
Advert
"It might not be deemed essential in the government's eyes, but its essential to our mental health to keep as busy as we can.
"Everyone was following the rules inside, so I can't see any problem with it."
However, one passing motorist - who also did not wish to be named - disagreed, saying: "I think its outrageous they are putting profit before lives as I don't think they sell anything that can really be deemed essential.
Advert
"You've got the hospital there where NHS staff are fighting to save lives and people coming out for a leisurely shop for flowers, just doesn't sit right with me."
A B&Q spokesperson said: "Similar to shopping at a supermarket, we've introduced social distancing controls at these re-opened stores.
"We're strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, and so customers may need to queue before entering the store.
"To help remind everyone to respect each other's personal space, we have two metre floor markers throughout these stores and also perspex screens at the checkouts."
Featured Image Credit: SWNSTopics: uk news, Shopping, News, Coronavirus