The return of buzz and excitement to Fordingbridge will make a huge difference to local businesses, according to firms in the town welcoming customers back today (April 12). The start of the second phase of the Government s roadmap out of lockdown has seen non-essential retail, beauty salons and pub gardens open up again. Businesses throughout Fordingbridge - some of which have been shuttered for months - have been celebrating reopening their doors. Below we take you inside them and behind the scenes in pictures, as they share their hopes and fears for life after the third national lockdown: Good vibe in town
BUSINESS owners in the Fordingbridge area are “cautiously optimistic” after plans were unveiled for easing lockdown. A new “roadmap” setting out dates for the opening of pubs and non-essential businesses as well as schools was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Mr Johnson said his four-stage plan would be driven by the data as opposed to dates. Schools will be the first to reopen on March 8 when there will also be some changes to socialising. But businesses in retail and personal care will have to wait longer to reopen – no earlier than April 12. For pubs and restaurants wanting to welcome customers indoors the wait is even longer – no earlier than May 17.