Queues form in the street as ESK re-opens in Hastings

The Cambridge Road store has been closed since lockdown began in March. Locally owned, ESK offers a wide range of tools, car accessories, hardware, children’s art materials and gardening equipment and has a large pet supply section. It also offers a range of food.

ESK has been open in Hastings for more than 30 years and has a loyal following.

The store is open with reduced hours. Before the lockdown it was open 9am - 6pm Monday - Saturday and 10am - 4pm on Sundays.

The revised hours are Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 4.30pm. The store will be closed Sunday and Monday.

An Eastbourne branch of ESK is also re-opening, with the same hours.

A statement from ESK read: “We have put in place changes to our stores to adhere to the strict 2m social distancing rules for the safety of all our customers and employees. Please before entering the store take a moment to read the signage at the entrance so that you are aware of the changes.

“We would like to thank all of our customers and employees for their support and wish them well in these difficult times.

A socially distanced queue stretched back as far as the Priory Street multi-storey car park on Tuesday.

Moira Cross, 62, of Priory Road, Hastings, said: “I was so pleased when I heard it was re-opening. I need some garden canes and twine and that is usually where I get all my cat food. I don’t drive so it is hard for me to get to B&Q at Ravenside.”

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