'It's been mad': Northampton shops enjoy four-day long sales bump ahead of lockdown

"It's been like the 20th of December."

That's the verdict of just one of Northampton town centre's business owners who have seen a rush of shoppers in the last four days.

The prime minister announced last Saturday that England will enter another coronavirus lockdown today (November 4) for at least another four weeks.

But it seems in response to the impending spell back indoors, Northampton has seen a four-day flurry of business as shoppers try to make a final trip into town before non-essential shops shut.

Dozens of businesses the Chronicle & Echo has spoken to say they have seen their busiest period in months over the last four days.

"The last few days has been mad," said Graham Lancaster, of The Wine Connection on Guildhall Road.

"We're able to stay open during the lockdown but it's been mad with people thinking we'll have to close."

"It's been so busy the last few days," agreed co-owner of Mooch gift shop Rachel Roberts. "It's the busiest I've seen the town centre in months, it's like the 20th of December."

Several businesses in Northampton also extended their opening hours over the last few days to allow shoppers more time to visit, and high street brands like Boots and Primark saw extensive queues outside their doors.

Among those queuing in town were friends Michelle, 43, and Anna, 41, who both told the Chron they didn't expect to see as many people in town along with them.

Michelle said: "I don't think I have anything in mind. We just wanted to come into town for a bit.

"I do need to get some clothes for my kids and some things from Superdrug. I know I can get most things online still."

Earlier this week, the Chron reported on how several shops were urging customers to think of them and use their click-and-collect services during the new lockdown rather "default to Amazon".

It comes after Northamptonshire's own number of coronavirus cases reported 1,000 new cases in the seven days leading up to October 25 - the first time the county's cases passed that milestone in a single week.

Even before the second lockdown was announced, leader of the borough council Jonathan Nunn urged residents to "act like we're in tier two".