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A queue began to form outside Norwich’s city centre Primark store an hour before it reopened on Monday morning for the first time in four months.

Non-essential retail shops can welcome customers once again from April 12 as part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Eastern Daily Press: Signs up in Norwich urging people to take extra care. Picture: Daniel MoxonSigns up in Norwich urging people to take extra care. Picture: Daniel Moxon (Image: Archant)

Norwich was largely quiet at 6am, but signs were there that the city was preparing to see more people as the day progresses.

Coffee shops were preparing seating, road sweepers were buzzing around and barriers were in place outside Debenhams ahead of its closing down sale.

Eastern Daily Press: Barriers at Debenhams in Norwich ahead of its closing down sale. Picture: Daniel MoxonBarriers at Debenhams in Norwich ahead of its closing down sale. Picture: Daniel Moxon (Image: Archant)

Outside Primark, around 10 people were waiting socially-distanced an hour before reopening, keen to be the first to head inside.

By just before 7am, that queue had grown and stretched up Hay Hill, past St Peter Mancroft Church and onto Millennium Plain.

Meanwhile, signage was in place outside pubs like Wetherspoons’ The Bell Hotel, one of several watering holes set to serve customers outside for the first time since Christmas.

Debenhams is preparing for its closing down sale and barriers have been put up to manage the expected queues.

Eastern Daily Press: Sophia Filby, 11, queueing with her mum Tamsin on Hay Hill to shop in Norwich's Primark store ahead of its reopening on Monday morning.Sophia Filby, 11, queueing with her mum Tamsin on Hay Hill to shop in Norwich's Primark store ahead of its reopening on Monday morning. (Image: Archant)

There is also red and white tape outside the store to stop people sleeping in the doorways.

Eastern Daily Press: Coffee shops in Norwich getting ready for reopening. Picture: Daniel MoxonCoffee shops in Norwich getting ready for reopening. Picture: Daniel Moxon (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Tape has been put outside the Debenhams store in Norwich to stop people sleeping in the doorways. Picture: Daniel MoxonTape has been put outside the Debenhams store in Norwich to stop people sleeping in the doorways. Picture: Daniel Moxon (Image: Archant)