Morrisons defends coronavirus measures after some customers complain about Northampton stores

Morrisons has defended its coronavirus policies after some customers complained about the lack of social distancing in the Northampton supermarkets.

Some concerned shoppers believe too many people are being let it in at one time meaning there is not enough space to walk around 2m-apart.

The supermarket giant, which has branches on Victoria Promenade in the town centre and Kettering Road, said there is a limit on customers, a spaced-out queue and marshals.

"We ask customers to respect social distancing guidelines when shopping in our stores and to stay two metres away from others," a spokesperson said.

A staggered entry system was implemented in all stores, limiting the number of customers and staff members inside at any one time to ensure social distancing.

Marshals have been places at the store entrances to make sure customers can get in as quickly and safely as possible.

Morrisons has also reconfigured the 'flow' of its stores, introduced vinyl floor stickers and signage to ensure customers adhere to the social distancing guidelines while shopping and queueing.

In addition, there are regular tannoy announcements to remind customers of the new rules.

"We would like to thank all our customers for their patience in adhering to these temporary measures, which are there to ensure the welfare of all customers and colleagues," the spokesperson said.

But one customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, visited the Morrisons on Kettering Road on Wednesday morning (April 29) to find no one in the usually-long queue.

Inside she described it as 'as busy as a normal Saturday' and struggled to stay a safe distance apart from the other shoppers.

The queue for the tills stretched a long way back, getting in the way of the shelves and at one point a member of staff pushed passed her from behind.

"I know the staff are doing a brilliant job and they're doing their best," they said.

"But they do need to keep doing it properly and within the guidelines as that's the whole point to stop this virus spreading and they're not doing it.

"I don't think it's a safe environment to shop in so they need to clamp down on it and not let so many people in at once."

Other Northampton Morrisons shoppers have complained about the busy stores and lenient approach to social distancing, unlike what other supermarkets have done.

In a tweet to Morrisons on Tuesday, Sarah Thorley wrote: "Hi. Just been into your Northampton store (Kettering Road). Why have you got plants on either side of the queue as you go in?

"It's impossible to pick up a plant and social distance. No one is enforcing the 2m rule either. I forgot most of what I had to go in for. A horrendous experience!"

On April 18, Sarah Boyer replied to a Morrisons tweet: "Your attempts at social distancing in your Northampton branch are a disgrace, will not be using again for a very long time."

Ashleigh Liversage tweeted Morrisons on April 17, saying: "I visited your Victoria Promenade, Northampton, store this evening and was very disappointed with the social distancing.

"Many walking around in couples and even one group of three, this makes it virtually impossible to keep your distance. Dangerous for staff and customers."