Dobbie's garden centre near Chesterfield closes after criticism for staying open

Dobbies garden centres across the country came under fire yesterday for remaining open – despite the Government introducing a lockdown and urging non-essential services to close.

A spokesperson for Dobbies confirmed its garden centre at Barlborough had now shut its doors.

She said: “Following updated guidance from the Government we have taken the decision to temporarily close our stores across the UK with immediate effect.

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“The wellbeing of our team members and customers is and always will remain our number one priority.”

One resident told the Derbyshire Times: “Dobbies is primarily a garden centre with additional services such as cakes, special oils and some pet food.

“None of this is essential and yet the CEO of Dobbies is now putting the well-being of their staff, the public and the NHS at risk which is contrary to Government advice.”