Midsomer Norton home furnishing store Woodpecker Furniture has reopened on an appointment-only basis to protect customers and staff.

Woodpecker Furniture closed following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's coronavirus lockdown announcement.

But several weeks later launched a free non-contact local delivery service.

On Monday (1 June), in line with new Government guidelines, the Charlton Lane showroom reopened for appointment-only customers seven days a week.

However, manufacturing of new furniture is not scheduled to re-start until early July, due to a shortage of materials.

Manager Tracy Bowling told Midsomer Norton Nub News: "We have had a great response since opening by appointment only, especially with sales of our rattan garden furniture, and no doubt the lovely weather has also helped.

"We already have lots of appointments booked for this weekend.

"We hope to be able to open again around 15 June with social distancing measures in place.

"In light of the current situation, our top priority remains the health and safety of our customers and staff."

Tracy reiterated that anyone showing symptoms of coronavirus, or who may have come into contact with someone who is, should not make an appointment.

"We will still be able to offer delivery - visit our website WoodpeckerFurniture.co.uk to shop online and place an order - but it will be different to our normal service.

"We can only offer a contactless doorstep delivery which means we can not assemble furniture in the room of the customer's choice.

"We would also prefer it if customers who make appointments to visit the showroom came alone, however we can allow one other person from their household to accompany them," she added.

To organise an appointment send a message via Woodpecker Furniture's Facebook page here: their social site or email [email protected].