Relief for West Sussex businesses as lockdown eases
Pubs, hair salons and gyms are among those reopening on Monday (April 12th)
Outdoor hospitality and non-essential shops across West Sussex 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.
Hairdressers, barbers and salons
For many in West Sussex, Monday will mark the first time they've been able to go for a trim in months.
It's led to a substantial rush for bookings to sort out some of the more unwielding hairdos many of us have had to deal with during England's third lockdown.
Lotus Styling in Bognor will be opening its doors from 7.45am on Monday in order to get through as many customers as possible.
Owner Daren Terry even installed a countdown clock outside the salon in Aldwick Road to prepare for the big day.
He said:
"We're readying ourselves to open for business once more and we couldn't be more delighted to be honest.
"We've been bombarded with bookings from our clients who are obviously desperate to let us loose on their hair after three months of growth.
"The phone has been ringing constantly and the bookings we have already mean we know we are in for a very busy time of it. But that's fine. We can't wait to get back at it and do what we love doing best.”
Pubs
A change in hospitality restrictions means pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars will be allowed to host parties of up to six, or of two households, in outdoor areas.
Hospitality venues can serve alcohol outside without the need for a "substantial meal" and self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets will also be permitted.
That's being welcomed by landlords such as Jane Morgan, whose team at the Murrell Arms in Barnham will be able to start serving pints again from Monday - if only to those in the beer garden for now.
Jane said:
"The Murrell is very at the heart of the community and many people tell us that they feel lost without it.
"It's going to be fantastic to see all of our regulars back again after three months or so of being closed.
"We understand fully the need to have closed our doors due to the lockdown brought about by the pandemic and now we're hopeful that the road map will continue to give us more and more freedoms back."
Zoos
After a total of 230 days of closures during the pandemic, Drusillas Park zoo in Alfriston is among the wildlife parks around the UK that are reopening on Monday.
Initially Drusillas’ will only be opening outdoor areas, with indoor spaces such as Amazon Adventure soft play remaining closed.
Deputy Marketing Director Cassie Poland said:
"We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to revamp a few areas in the Park, so we’re very excited for everyone to see these.
"We’ve also been going over our safety procedures with a fine toothcomb and we are confident Drusillas will remain a safe and fun day out for all.
“We worked really hard to train our staff in good Covid health and safety when we last reopened, so we are now just topping up that knowledge and making sure everyone is refreshed with social distancing measures and keeping both themselves and our visitors safe.
"Everyone is working as such a strong team and really pulling together to help out and make reopening possible.
"We’re so excited to welcome everyone back!”