READERS have defended the decision to keep stores selling unessential items, such as The Range, open.

Rob Jones said: "I am self-isolating for 12 weeks as I'm vulnerable, I have lots of little jobs I can do at home so can keep busy but there are a lot of people who are getting extremely bored and this will affect people's mental health so as much as I think it is wrong I do understand why people are doing this."

Tracy Worrall said: "Yes it should stay open and you should be able to buy what you think is essential for your households mental and physical well being be it a tin of paint , plants or arts crafts garden toys to stimulate the children. Social distancing is in place. Who can say to someone else you can’t buy that it’s not essential? People shouldn’t judge."

Laura Goodwin said: "I would keep it open, for the old people I think the Iceland is fab, and as for paint I think people need to stay sane, doing painting at home is helping people stay in."

What do you think?