Deserted Falkirk car park demonstrates impact of Level 4 coronavirus restrictions

All non-essential businesses are once again shut due to the measures, introduced by the Scottish Government to tackle a new Covid-19 strain.

Falkirk’s Central Retail Park would usually be filled with shoppers making the most of Boxing Day sales in any normal year.

However, the area lay deserted this morning as major firms like Sports Direct were ordered to close down in line with the restrictions, which are now in effect for much of mainland Scotland.

As of Saturday, only essential retail can remain open.

Hospitality venues like cafes, bars and restaurants have now shut, along with hair salons and much of the beauty industry.

Christmas Eve bell-ringing event raises more than £10,000 for cancer support service

Sports and leisure centres and gyms have also closed along with all public buildings, including libraries which can only operate click and collect services.

The sweeping new rule is set to be in place for three weeks but comes with no guarantee of an immediate easing in mid-January.

The region was given just days to prepare following the announcement of a faster-spreading strain of the virus.

While all non-essential shops must close, The Howgate Shopping Centre will still offer access to vital services.

Members of the public will have access to the High Street facility – but only for visits to essential stores like pharmacies, food shops and its Post Office.

The Howgate will also be open on Sundays during the three-week tightening of restrictions.

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.

https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/nord/dm/FKH/V