The Oracle riverside yesterday THE number of people who visited Reading yesterday was the same as a "busy Saturday", says Reading UK. Non-essential retail and outdoor dining reopened yesterday in Reading town centre, following months of lockdown, with Reading people coming out to support their local businesses. Reading UK explained 95 per cent of the town centre retail reopened and footfall was "equivalent to a busy Saturday". It added that outdoor pub and dining options were popular with visitors. Inside Broad Street Mall and The Oracle, non-essential retail shops reopened and gyms across the town also welcomed back members. Adam Jacobs, Chair Reading UK, said: “It is heartening to see Reading town centre open and customers returning, rediscovering and supporting our local businesses.