Falkirk's Howgate Centre to stay open during Level 4 coronavirus restrictions - here's why

The Howgate Shopping Centre in Falkirk will remain open when the district moves into Level 4 coronavirus restrictions on Boxing Day – but only for access to essential stores.
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Management at the High Street premises have confirmed members of the public will be able to use vital services such as its pharmacies, food shops and Post Office.

The centre will open from 9am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday and 9am-4pm on Saturdays. It will be closed on Sundays until the Scottish Government’s restrictions are lifted.

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Its multi-storey car park will stay open with parking only available on the third floor as it has wider disability and parent and child bays.

The Howgate Shopping Centre in Falkirk will stay open so the public can access essential services only during the Level 4 Covid-19 restrictions. Picture: Michael Gillen.The Howgate Shopping Centre in Falkirk will stay open so the public can access essential services only during the Level 4 Covid-19 restrictions. Picture: Michael Gillen.
The Howgate Shopping Centre in Falkirk will stay open so the public can access essential services only during the Level 4 Covid-19 restrictions. Picture: Michael Gillen.

Under Level 4 rules, only essential retail can open providing they follow and have implemented guidance to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

Margaret Foy, The Howgate’s marketing manager, said: “Following the government’s update that all non-essential shops are to close, we can confirm that The Howgate will only be open for access to essential stores.

“As many of these essential services can only be reached through the centre, we will ensure all our visitors are able to access the services they need whilst supporting those retailers who need to stay open.

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“Access to these stores will be from our High Street or pleasance entrances.

“The following stores will remain open until further notice: Superdrug, Post Office, Sutherland’s Fruit and Veg. Lyn’s Small Animal will open Thursday to Saturday and Boots and Wilko will remain open with access from their High Street entrance only.

“A small number of the team will be on-hand to make sure our centre remains a clean and safe place to visit. We would like to thank our fantastic team at The Howgate who are working very hard in very challenging circumstances to support our retailers, serve our communities and take care of one another.

“We will continue to follow government advice and we are grateful for your patience and understanding in these challenging times and will continue to communicate with you regularly.

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“We wish to remind customers of social distancing at this time and ask you to respect the two-metre distance between other people whilst visiting the centre. We have hand sanitising stations available in the mall and would ask all customers to wear a mask unless exempt.”

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