"WE all have to work together to get through this," a Stourbridge shopping centre boss has said as all but essential stores opened their doors yesterday.

Just a handful of stores can now open in The Ryemarket, as across Britain, following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement on Monday that a third national lockdown was to begin immediately to try to help health chiefs to get a grip on the coronavirus crisis.

As before, in both previous lockdowns, just Waitrose, Poundland, Eco Maniax, Home Bargains, Coventry Building Society, Iceland, WH Smiths and Boots and the new Maxi Saver store remain open in the centre, with Coffee No 1 and Costa open for take away coffees only.

Ryemarket centre manager Kelley Dyas said: "It does feel a little like Groundhog Day but during these times we all need to play our parts to keep everyone safe. It’s so sad when our other retailers have to close during lockdown periods and we can’t wait to have them open again.

""We all have to keep a positive attitude during such difficult time and all work together to get through this."

She added that parking on the council owned Ryemarket car park remains free at this time.