Brookside Garden Centre in Kent has closed early for Christmas to keep their staff safe in light customers not following guidelines and being abusive. "If I don’t feel safe in my own shop, then I cannot and will not expect my staff to put themselves in harms way," owner Simon Shead told GTN Xtra last night.
The full announcement posted on facebook and their website reads:
URGENT UPDATE: Over the last 2 days, we at Brookside have been keeping a careful eye on everything that has been happening since we entered Tier 4. What we have noticed is that many people who have visited appear to be doing so for none essential reasons. Some of these people have also not been following guidelines as set out by the government. Namely, the use of face masks, the size of groups and meeting other households.
While we are aware that these guidelines are restrictive, we also acknowledge that they are 100% necessary. Our staff have been doing their best to keep loyal and rule abiding customers as safe as possible as well as themselves. However many of those confronted about guideline breaches have reacted poorly. From near aggressive behaviour to merely ignoring directions to do as asked.
If I don’t feel safe in my own shop, then cannot and will not expect my staff to put themselves in harms way. They have worked tirelessly over the last 9-10 months and do not deserve to be treated poorly for their efforts. It is for this reason that we deeply regret to announce that effective immediately, Brookside Garden Centre will be closing until Tuesday 29th December so as to keep our staff safe.
To all those who have supported us through these testing times, we thank you and wish you a safe Christmas and we hope to see you soon.
Yours,
Simon Shead Owner
Simon suggested that other garden centres should follow his lead where customers are not following guidelines. "Money doesn't save lives, staff save companies," he added.
This morning Simon and his team have been busy sorting e-mails and phone calls. "all saying good and positive views with lots of excellent comments and congtratulations to us for taking this action."
