"What part of stay at home is so hard to understand?" Criticism for B&Q shoppers after chaos in Northampton

B&Q customers have come under fire from Chronicle & Echo readers after the chaos at its Northampton store over the weekend.

Staff said they were verbally abused by disgruntled customers waiting hours in the 'click and collect' queue outside the Towcester Road branch.On Facebook, many people criticised those making non-essential trips to the hardware giant, but some defended those who are using the DIY items to keep busy.

Emma-Jane Hartley wrote: "What part of stay at home is so hard to understand? Clearly, a lot of people cannot follow simple rules of not making journeys unless absolutely essential.

"No one should be buying from here, unless emergency plumbers or electricians."

Nita Stanford commented: "They may need fuses for the kettle or washers for a leaking tap or other necessities but that is no excuse for abuse and I agree that things that can wait should do so."

June Griffiths added: "What is wrong with people do they not understand only go out for essential items!

"There is plenty of time when we are allowed out to do the things they need to do. Why can’t they just relax and enjoy this rest time?"

Luke Underwood posted: "The amount of people making excuses on why they should go to B&Q is really quite frightening."

B&Q stores have been closed since the lockdown began on March 23, despite hardware stores being named as essential by the Goverment, with customers restricted to online orders by delivery or collection.

Some people on Facebook pointed out how DIY can be a good distraction from the pandemic, especially for those affected by the virus or with mental health issues.

Hayley Walker, who works in healthcare, said fixing up her house takes her mind off the sudden and unexpected death of her mother and the coronavirus crisis.

"I'm not going to feel bad for popping to B&Q the two times that I have as it's actually keeping me from falling to pieces right now," she wrote.

Lesley Brett commented: "People may have mental health problems recovering alcoholics etc who would find doing a bit of DIY or gardening therapeutic.

"Some may have also been going to Aldi shopping."

In a similar vein, Christianne Louise Stokes put: "For some people, being around home with no outlet can lead to mental health issues and after speaking to a B&Q employee, this seems to be one of the reason they have been allowed to remain open.

"I wholly support anything that can assist with both physical and mental wellbeing. It's just a shame its got out of control."

And Allen Munro posted: "Right let’s get it straight and stop the moaners, if a store has been allowed to remain open any goods it’s stocks are allowed to be sold ergo those wishing to make these purchases are quite entitled to do so as long as they observe the social distances so stop the bloody moaning."