Relief for West Country businesses as lockdown eases
Pubs, hair salons and gyms are among those reopening on Monday (April 12th)
Last updated 12th Apr 2021
Outdoor hospitality and non-essential shops across the West Country return today (April 12th), after a break of more than four months.
The Prime Minister confirmed on Easter Monday the roadmap dates he initially set out in February would remain unchanged.
It means shops, zoos, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, community centres, theme parks and drive-in cinemas will all be back in business.
Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen, but only for use by people on their own or with household members as indoor mixing is banned until May 17th.
People up and down the country have flocked to their local pubs today. One punter, Francesca told us all she can hear today is laughter. She said: "It sounds really cheesy but everyone's just really embracing it. It's not about the drinks really, it's about the social aspect of it."
Of course it's not all about the pubs though, non-essential shops, hairdressers, restaurants and more have reopened today as part of the easing of lockdown restrictions. One shopper in Yeovil told us: "Everyone's just so excited to get out. It doesn't really matter that it's packed, obviously I know it's bad, but at the same time it's almost such a relief that everyone is getting out because the shops need it."