LOCAL businesses have been reacting to the news about the Government’s “roadmap” to remove lockdown restrictions in England.
Last week the Government announced that from no earlier than 12th April, businesses such as shops, hairdressers, and beauty salons will be allowed to welcome back customers indoors while pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve people outdoors.
The news has been welcomed by some of Westbury’s businesses, who have described their “heartbreak” at being closed as they miss traditionally busy seasons.
But for the pub and restaurant sector, news of the Government’s “roadmap” has had a mixed reaction.
Landlord of the Horse and Groom, Bob Musker, has explained that for them, opening their outdoor seating area will only be “financially worthwhile” if the Government offers them financial support.
“We are leaning towards opening [in April], but we are waiting for more details on Wednesday – we don’t know if there will be any price increases on alcohol,” he said. “As we have learnt through all of this, the devil is in the detail.”
And as the community prepares to make steps towards life post-lockdown, mayor of Westbury, cllr Mike Sutton, is encouraging everyone to once again “shop local” and support the town’s businesses as they welcome back customers for a third time.
“Local businesses and shops are a fundamental part of our local community,” said cllr Sutton, “and I would urge us all to shop local wherever possible and help to preserve the character and livelihood of the town.”
End to guessing game
About the Government’s announcement last week, Claire Rumary from card and gift shop, Cards Plus, said, “We are pleased to have a potential date to work towards, and so excited to see our customers again.
“We realise all the precautions put in place need to be followed now more than ever when we reopen. We don’t want to have to close our doors again. It would be so nice for this to be the final time our doors are closed and we can start getting back to how things should be.”
Bob from the Horse and Groom agreed, saying,“It’s better than sitting in limbo. The 17th May [the date earmarked for when pubs can seat customers indoors] is a more definite date, as we can open everything, inside and out, with restrictions. Hopefully in June we’ll see all restrictions go.”
Pauline Froggatt from Crowning Glory, in Dilton Marsh, said, “It’s great to have a date, but we need more information about when we will know for definite that we can reopen.
“So we will feel a bit up in the air at the moment – we hope to be open then, and we have a fairly long list of clients waiting to book – we’re still dealing with the backlog caused by the November lockdown.”
Financial impact
Ahead of the Budget on Wednesday 3rd March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that eligible shops, pubs, restaurants and other businesses will receive grants of up to £18,000 from a £5billion ‘Restart Grant scheme’ to help them reopen as lockdown is eased.
Whilst the news of the ‘Restart Grant scheme’ “looks positive” for the industry, Bob from the Horse and Groom has said that they need more information before committing to reopening in April.
“Since the pandemic started and restrictions began, we have lost about 50% of what we would normally take – it’s been massive,” he said.
About the impact of the national lockdown on trade, Claire from Cards Plus said, “It’s been heartbreaking to see our major seasons pass us by without our doors open. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter will have all passed us by.
“We’ve been doing what we can by selling online through Facebook and our new website, but it doesn’t compare to actually having people in the shop.”
“I feel the Government has done a good job of providing financial support,” said Pauline from Crowning Glory. “If it wasn’t for the furlough scheme, we wouldn’t be here. And the other grants we have had have helped pay the bills whilst we have been closed – we haven’t been open long enough between each lockdown to cover our bills. It’s dentinely been a help.”
Welcome back Westbury
Encouraging the community to support local businesses when they reopen, mayor of Westbury, cllr Mike Sutton added, “Although nothing can be taken for granted at this moment it looks likely that the lockdown restrictions may be progressively relaxed after Easter.
“I am sure I speak for everyone when I say how pleased we will be to see the return of all those businesses that have been shut during these difficult times.
“Local businesses and shops are a fundamental part of our local community and I would urge us all to shop local wherever possible and help to preserve the character and livelihood of the town.
“There are some matters we cannot control in our town but supporting our local businesses where is one that we can where possible.
“Welcome back.”
