A GARDEN centre has reopened its doors but warned customers not to use it as an opportunity for a day out.

Perrywood, which runs garden centres in Tiptree and Sudbury, had to close its doors amid the coronavirus outbreak.

But a change in the rules announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson meant garden centres across the country could reopen.

Perrywood announced it would be back open but urged customers to only visit if they know what they want to buy.

In a statement it said: “We have stringent social distancing measures in place, and we will be asking all team members and customers to adhere to them.

“We are opening for those who have a good idea of what they are coming to buy.

“We are not open for browsing, a day out, somewhere to do your daily exercise or for meeting up with friends.

“We have removed the majority of displays.

“Please do not enter the garden centre if you or someone in your household has Covid-19 symptoms.

“We are restricting the number of customers allowed in the garden centre, so you may be asked to queue if this number has been reached.

“Please do not touch products or plants which you won’t be purchasing. “

The centre confirmed the onsite cafes would be closed and toilets would not be available for use.

Customers were also warned help lifting heavy items may not be possible.

Payment using cash will not be accepted and a one way system will be in operation to limit contact.

The statement added: “Our opening hours will stay the same for now, but we will review this regularly.

“Please note that if you are asked to queue to get in this queue will be outdoors, so please dress appropriately in wet weather.

“By advising we are not admitting under 16s we hope to reduce numbers, and discourage larger family groups but there may be some exceptions when we are not busy.

“The drop off zone and disabled spaces in the top car park near the entrance are currently not in use.

“The systems we have implemented allow customers to maintain 2m distance from team members and other customers at all times, provided systems are followed.”