Maskless yobs in Primark ruined our family shopping trip to Leeds: Catherine Scott

So life is getting back to a new normal.

I have been to the hairdressers, had a pedicure and even been to the pub – outside and socially distanced and a lot of the time wearing a mask. And I have to say than on the whole I felt entirely safe.

That is until I took my youngest daughter on a long-promised shopping trip to Leeds. At first all was well and everyone seemed to be complying with wearing a mask and trying to keep their distance.

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There was a little confusion entering the Trinity Centre as to whether masks needed to be worn.

The queue in Trinity Leeds for Primark as shops reopened in Leeds in June. Picture Bruce RollinsonThe queue in Trinity Leeds for Primark as shops reopened in Leeds in June. Picture Bruce Rollinson
The queue in Trinity Leeds for Primark as shops reopened in Leeds in June. Picture Bruce Rollinson

Most people weren’t wearing them until they entered individual shops. But that was okay as it wasn’t all that busy and it was easier to keep a distance – although not two metres.

There was hand sanitiser at the entrance to all shops and on the bigger stores numbers were being monitored.

We had a lovely al fresco lunch making use of the Government’s Eat to Help Our scheme.

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It had been a successful day. We had emerged from our bubble for a bit of much needed retail therapy and done out bit to try to get the economy going again – even on a minute scale.

However, we made a big mistake on our way back to the car by deciding to go into Primark for some holiday ‘essentials’.

At first all seemed okay, with numbers being monitored going into the store and everyone encouraged to use hand sanitisers.

It was busier than other shops and so we decided to grab what was needed and join a lengthy queue to pay.

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There were markers on the floor to ensure that people kept their distance, but they were mainly being ignored. But what was more worrying was the groups of young men completely ignoring the law and not wearing masks.

And equally as worrying was the fact that not one member of staff even mentioned it to them. They were joking and laughing and drawing attention to themselves.

I didn’t have the nerve to say anything and I regret it. I would have said I am wearing a mask to save you if I have the virus – why can you not do me the same courtesy?

But it seems this was not a one-off.

Preston recently introduced the slogan ‘Don’t Kill Granny’ as the area saw a spike in coronavirus cases.

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It comes amid evidence to suggest many young people have the virus and are taking it home.

Boris Johnson has now announced fines for not wearing masks will be increased but what’s the point if no one is enforcing it? We all have a responsibilty during this pandemic to reduce the risk of spreading it. But also retailers and the police have to make sure people abide by the rules.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Editor

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