Maldon High Street will continue with late-evening opening today (Thursday, 17 December) - and now it's more important than ever to support the town's businesses with safe shopping.

Although hospitality venues will be closed to diners and offering take-away services only, due to the new Tier 3 restrictions, other retail will continue as usual and are bursting with Christmas gifts and goodies to see shoppers through the festive season.

There will be free parking in town centre car parks each Thursday from 2pm, provided by Maldon District Council to help support a safe return to the High Street following the lifting of the second national lockdown.

Chair of Maldon Business Board, Allison Fox, told Maldon Nub News this week: "The news of Tier 3 is tragic for hospitality businesses.

"As for the rest of the High Street, it's a waiting game to see if we attract the business we need to get us through. As the owner of a boutique myself, I am feeling positive. The public support has been amazing and we have had great footfall and it's not just about making an income, it's been so lovely to see friendly faces, put the Christmas music on and have chats with local people and feel festive."

Businesses which will remain open late tonight include (and there may be others):

Other shops and businesses on the town's High Street that have confirmed they will remain open through until 7pm on Thursday this week (3 December) include (there may be more):

Willow & Fox

Phoenix

The Emporium

Chic Petit

The Bra Consultancy

Just the Thing

Ruby & Rose

Finale

The Crystal Shack

Carlton Jewellers

SILO

The Little Shop of Sweets and Treats

M&S Simply Food

For more information on Maldon's independent businesses shoppers can also visit the Around Maldon website here.