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Hundreds of shoppers are lining up outside the Trafford Center this afternoon as bosses try to keep the number of Boxing Day visitors under control.
The footage shows long lines of people waiting outside the main gates in cold conditions, with security personnel letting in a handful of people at a time.
A MEN reader stated that staff were finding it difficult to handle the situation.
“There is only one queue inside to get in,” they said.
“The staff are clearly stressed and yelling, people are not wearing masks and are in groups bigger than bubbles. It’s chaos here.”
(Image: Adam Vaughan)
Several Greater Manchester police vans were also seen at the scene, although a spokesman said they were not called to any specific incidents and that the police presence is part of a regular “quiet” operation.
In a tweet issued around 4:30 pm Saturday, the Trafford Center said it was “at capacity.”
A spokesperson said the line was queued at the main entrance to limit the number of shoppers inside and that the situation is being handled safely.
(Image: Adam Vaughan)
Retailers can stay open under current coronavirus restrictions, but have been told to take steps like hand sanitizing stations, one-way systems and reducing the number of visitors.
The Trafford Center tweeted: “Our teams are working hard to manage the numbers within the center today and we are currently queuing for visitors at the center.
(Image: Adam Vaughan)
“Please be nice to our teams who are working hard to get everyone in quickly and safely.”
Another tweet added: “We are currently at capacity, which means that visitors will be asked to queue to enter the center.”
Several people have taken to social media to highlight the situation at the Trafford Center today and questioned whether it is sensible given the current rate of coronavirus infection in Greater Manchester.
Did you go shopping today? Please voice your opinion of your experience in our comments below.
Some have complained that many buyers do not cover their faces.
One tweeted to the mall: “You are failing miserably … 15-20% of the people wandering around don’t cover their faces.
“You’re helping get us to level 4. I left the center after 5 minutes.”
Another shopper, Charlotte Clegg, tweeted images of crowds inside the mall and said, “This is the Trafford Center today.
“¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿??
“These tents won’t die if you don’t go … Vulnerable people will. Stay home and stay safe!”
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A spokesperson for the Trafford Center said: “We have strong security measures in place to ensure that the Trafford Center is a safe place to shop, these include; One-way systems, regular deep cleanings, and capacity limits to ensure safe social distancing.
“Visitors must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth while inside the center and inside the stores, unless they are exempt.
“We have capacity limits in place to keep everyone safe, so it might be necessary to queue at peak times.
“We encourage visitors to plan their shopping trip carefully and dress for the weather in case they have to wait outside.”
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