NEW-LOOK town centres are beginning to take shape across the district as more shops prepare to reopen on Monday.

In Hexham and Prudhoe, Northumberland County Council has placed signs throughout the town centre instructing pedestrians to observe two-metre social-distancing guidelines.

County councillor Gordon Stewart who represents Prudhoe South, which includes the Front Street area, said: "I have been speaking with many residents who have all said they are pleased with the sensible and straight forward measures being put in place."

Further measures being enforced by the council include introducing one way systems in some towns and removing unnecessary advertising boards and furniture.

However, the social-distancing guidance, first introduced by the Government, was thrown into doubt on Sunday as it was revealed the Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered a comprehensive review of the two-metre social-distancing rule amid calls it should be scrapped.

On Fore Street, in Hexham, Waterstones book store is one of many businesses to have placed stickers on the floor outside its shop to ensure customers observe social-distancing while queuing.

Other towns across the district including Haltwhistle and Ponteland, will also benefit from the new measures, with smaller villages, such as Corbridge, Bellingham, Haydon Bridge and Allendale, to follow.