Corby's back open for business (but you might have to queue..)

More people have begun venturing out of their homes in Corby as the town creaked back into life this week following nearly two months of lockdown.

Many of the town's businesses have reopened their doors following the government's easing of the lockdown and the borough's leisure spaces have welcomed back visitors in big numbers for the first time since March.

Although lots of the town's manufacturing and logistics firms have still been running throughout the coronavirus pandemic, many chose to shut up to protect workers.

Huge queues were seen at KFC's drive thru which reopened on Wednesday. Traffic was backed-up down Oakley Road and Burghley Drive yesterday evening (Wednesday).

And Starbucks at the Weldon roundabout also experienced queuing traffic as its drive-thru reopened today (Thursday, May 14).

Wickes opened for the first time this morning and staff there, who were heavily protected by PPE and an intricate social distancing system, said it had been a brisk day.

At Corby boating lake, from yesterday, people were able to picnic and sit on the grass for the first time since March and anglers were finally allowed to get back on the lake - which many took advantage of. One told our reporters it was 'nice to get back to a bit of normality.'

East Carlton Park, which also reopened its car park yesterday, was busy today with many families setting up picnics, although play equipment remains closed along with the cafe and toilets. The park gates will be open from sunrise to sunset and dog walkers are asked to keep their pets on leads to help protect all park users.

Popular cake chain Butterwick in Rockingham Road has reopened its doors for takeaway for the first time today (Thursday) and Italian restaurant La Fonte in George Street reopened on Tuesday to offer its much-loved food for collection.

Sadly for McDonald's fans, there's still no word on whether the town's Golden Arches are going to be trading any time soon.

Many town centre stores remain open. You can find out which ones along with their opening times here