'Like the first day we opened': Northampton car showroom on being allowed to reopen to the public

A Northampton car dealer had the same feeling as when he first opened in 1983 when welcoming back the public after the lockdown today (Monday, June 1).

Tony Brooks took the opportunity to reopen his showroom along with thousands of others across the country due to the change in the Government guidelines.

The shop and garage on Court Road has been closed since March so the owner was delighted to get back to business after ten weeks of nothing.

"It was exactly the same feeling as 37 years ago when I started the place as I didn't know whether it was going to work or not," he said.

Although garages have been allowed to open during the coronavirus crisis for essential repairs, Tony Brooks has been completely closed for health reasons.

But the owner now feels ready to reopen both the showroom and the garage for sales and servicing after three weeks of preparation, with mostly appointments but people can walk in too.

There is a one-way system around the store as well as screens, allocated parking spaces, regular extensive cleaning and personal protective equipment.

Anyone who wants to take a test drive will have to do so by themselves, which Tony has authorised with his insurance company, on a pre-set route with all of their details taken.

"We're as safe as we can be I think but who knows? We're all going to have to keep our fingers crossed that it works," he said.

While Tony is pleased to reopen, he is concerned about not being able to control how people behave before they enter his showroom, creating a risk of infection.

There were already people coming to look at the cars when he unlocked the doors this morning with a steady amount of custom throughout the day.

But after nearly four decades of trading, he was eager to get back to business with many loyal customers in need of a service or wanting a new car.

"I was very conscious about being shut as we have been here for a long, long time and we have a big customer bank and a lot of people really wanted us to open but staff have to come first," he said.

"But I hope to be around for a few more years yet."