Shoppers in Lowestoft made the most of the last few days before lockdown as they sought essential items and festive gifts.

Lowestoft Journal: Shoppers on London Road North in Lowestoft ahead of the second lockdown. Picture: Mick HowesShoppers on London Road North in Lowestoft ahead of the second lockdown. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

After prime minister Boris Johnson had announced a month-long national lockdown on Saturday evening, Lowestoft town centre has been “busy” during recent days.

Lowestoft Journal: Shoppers queuing on London Road North in Lowestoft in the rain ahead of the second lockdown.Picture: Mick HowesShoppers queuing on London Road North in Lowestoft in the rain ahead of the second lockdown.Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Lowestoft Vision - the town’s business improvement district (BID) - said that the town was noticeably busier with queues outside banks, hairdressers and barbers and shops.

Lowestoft Journal: Repair Lab Lowestoft has opened in the Britten Centre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesRepair Lab Lowestoft has opened in the Britten Centre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

With Christmas shopping being propelled forward, those looking to avoid a December rush were clambering for those last-minute bargains ahead of lockdown.

Lowestoft Journal: Shoppers at the entrance to the Britten Centre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesShoppers at the entrance to the Britten Centre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

And despite heavy rain on Tuesday, blue skies and warm temperatures during the course of the week had helped to ensure that the town centre was a hive of activity as many people sought to buy presents while they could.

Dan Poitras, chairman of Lowestoft Vision, said: “After the prime minister’s announcement, Sunday was fairly busy and certainly Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday has been busy.

“Some people are gearing up for lockdown, others have been getting some Christmas presents and hopefully these few days have helped prepare everyone as it is important that we don’t have panic buying.

“And the reason not to do that is that we will have some shops that will still be open.

“We will still have businesses open during lockdown and so we will still be able to provide the essential items.”

Repair Lab Lowestoft is one of the new businesses that has recently opened in the Britten Centre in Lowestoft.

Manager of the mobile phone repair shop and business owner, Ahsan Aziz, said: “We have been open for two weeks now and it has been good.

“There’s a need for a phone shop to get the mobile phones repaired on the same day.

“We can fix phones, tablets, iPads, Laptops and MacBooks.”

Offering repairs to cracked screens, phone unlocking and more, the store also sells mobile phones and offers a trade-in as well.

Mr Aziz said: “From next Monday, November 9, we will be offering a click and collect service for the next month.”

For more information visit its page on Facebook – www.facebook.com/Repair-lab