SHOPPERS returned to the town centre this week following the easing of lockdown restrictions bringing relief to local businesses.
Queues formed outside barber shops, fully booked hairdressing and beauty salons bounced back into action, shoppers browsed the shelves and aisles of our local shops, and cafés and pubs opened up their outdoor areas to welcome back customers.
It was the first time since the lockdown began on 5th January that non-essential shops and businesses were allowed to open their doors – and with businesses reporting increased activity in the town, it was a relief for many to be back.
However, the message remains the same from Westbury’s businesses – “we need you, please shop local!”
Claire Bridge, owner of Love of Pets in Edward Street, said, “People had Monday’s date set in their minds so it was nice to see a lot of people about and the local shops back open.”
She added it was important to encourage people to carry on shopping locally.
“People in Westbury want local shops and new things but if you don’t use it you will lose it,” said Claire.
Gary Davies of Davies of Westbury, in Maristow Street, was positive about more businesses being open and said that, combined with some warmer weather, should encourage more people to get out and about again.
He reiterated the message that it was vital to shop local to help keep the community alive.
“We have lots of great businesses in Westbury – so come on out, and come on into Westbury!” Gary said. “It’s fantastic to see town centre shops back open again.”
Andrew Elliott from Elliott’s Butchers, on the High Street said, “Now everything is reopening it’s very important for people to continue using local businesses and supporting us.”
Business manager of the Imperial Charity shop, Bob Summerfield, said, “We’re really glad to be open again and to be able to collect/accept new items for the shop.
“We want to say thank you for all the good wishes and support from our customers and we look forward to welcoming them back.”
Owners of The Hair Company, Suzann Large and Karen Wilkin said, “We are very grateful to have customers back through the doors and we appreciate all good wishes we had during lockdown.”
Lynette Hobbs at The Rising Sun pub, in North Bradley, said, “We are so happy to be open again and welcoming back our customers. It’s been a difficult time for the trade, however we hope for a strong recovery and want to wish all our fellow publicans good luck in reopening.”
Welcoming back shoppers to the town and encouraging the community to shop local, Westbury Town Council said, “As Westbury shops and businesses start to reopen, we ask you to shop locally and support our High Street.
“We should not forget those shops and businesses that have remained open and supported us through those uncertain times, they still need our continued support. We wish Westbury shops and businesses well and say welcome back to our High Street. Shop local and stay safe.”
Phil Chester from Westbury Tackle in Maristow Street, which ran a small amount of click and collect transactions through the lockdown, said on Tuesday, his first reopening day, “It’s been a good morning, nice and steady. We were busy on Saturday with the last click and collect orders too. People have been able to fish through lockdown this time round, which has been good. It’s good for the town to get up and running again.”
Claire Rumary from Cards Plus in High Street, which reopened on Monday after running delivery and click and collect services through the lockdowns, said, “It was so lovely to welcome people back in and actually see faces, and to talk to them. They were able to browse and take their time looking at everything. It was nice and steady too, which was good, as we are not allowed too many people in at one time.”
