FAMILIES are facing temperature checks, one-way systems and lengthy queues as businesses throw open their doors today.

As England enters phase two of the road map out of lockdown today, visitors are facing a host of changes to their usual shopping trip.

Customers will be told to wait outside for staff to come and collect them, navigate through one way systems, and follow queuing stickers.

Southend Council confirmed some car parking spaces will be closed on Leigh Broadway West to allow for social distancing.

In the centre of the town, shoppers will be encouraged to stick to the left hand side of the street.

Lucy Jackson, owner of Snap Beauty, ni Hamstel Road, Southchurch, says her nail salon is fully booked for two weeks.

The 30-year-old said: “The last few days has been non-stop in getting ready and taking bookings. We’re expecting carnage.

“Four chairs will be outside for people to use, they’re covered too. Clients will wait outside before we collect them.

“Our waiting room is closed. People will be in their seperate rooms, they won’t seen anyone else other than the therapist when the walk through.

“We’re so excited to be back open again, our staff have all been on furlough.”

The salon will be allowing five customers to have treatment at once, in the five separate rooms.

Southend Council warned businesses not to offer sales or promotions when they re-open in a bid to prevent crowds.

Cashless payments are preferred to reduce the transmission of Covid-19.

Paul Thompson, owner of the Pebbles One cafe on Marine Parade, and Ye Olde Chippy, also on Marine Parade, added: “We’ve got a one-way system and queue barriers place.

“We need to do things properly. Knives and forks will be given to customers in plastic wrappers, with the napkin included.

“We’ll also be using takeaway cups instead of china. People are pleased and happy to use those.

“Everything will be a walk in service, rather than booking in advance. We’ll have a member of staff managing the queues.”

Mr Thompson is expecting an influx of customers upon re-opening today.

“Some people are desperate to have restaurant food again”, he added.

Jacqui Dallimore, managing director at the Roslin Beach Hotel and chairman of the Southend Tourism Partnership, said: “We have experience of reopening safely out of previous lockdowns and we know what is required to do this safely and successfully.

“I am very confident we can encourage and re-welcome visitors back to the town, residents out to our venues, and help our businesses get back on track. To our customers old and new, we have missed you.”