Sports Direct reopens sparking huge queues down both sides of high street as NHS staff given priority

HUGE queues were seen outside a Sports Direct shop as it threw open its doors for NHS staff today.

The sports gear chain started to open up to customers following the easing of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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A single socially distance queue stretched both sides of the high street as shoppers patiently queued to gain access to the sports shop.

Sports Direct opened the store today between the hours of 11-3pm as a priority day for NHS staff only.

NHS ID was required to enter the store and it was only one person per household who could go in.

In the first few days following the introduction of the lockdown measures the chain’s stores had remained open, claiming they provided a “vital” service.

However, a public backlash quickly grew over the decision.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain at the time, Michael Gove said: "My view is [owner] Mike Ashley should back off. We need to make sure that people stay open where possible.

"There's no reason for a store like Sports Direct to remain open."

Since then the stores have remained closed and are now only reopening after the government has been easing lockdown restrictions.

Many non-essential shops are now able to open from June 15.

Clothes, toys and betting shops are among those that can open their doors once again, the Business Secretary Alok Sharma said earlier this week.

It comes nearly three months after non-essential businesses were forced to close their doors to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Up until recently, only pharmacies, food shops, garages, petrol stations, restaurants and cafes (with delivery options only) and Post Offices were the only retail outlets allowed to open.

Only recently some retailers, such as outdoor markets, car showrooms and homeware stores, have been given the green-light and are now open.

Outdoor attractions such as zoos, drive-in cinemas and safari parks will also be allowed to open, while places of worship will be allowed to open for individual prayer.

Mr Sharma added that pubs, hairdressers and restaurants are still on track to reopen from July 4.

However, not everywhere has been given the green light to start trading again.

Indoor and outdoor exercise venues, such as gyms and swimming pools, remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Ice skating rinks, cinemas, bingo halls, casinos, theatres, museums, clubs and concert venues will also remain closed.

Hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons, massage and tattoo parlours and spas won't reopen either.

Bowling alleys and soft play centres are still closed while hotels, hostels, holiday rentals, caravan parks and campsites are shut too.