THERE was an air of celebration and hope across Wantage and the surrounding area on Monday as the Government’s easing of lockdown restrictions took place. The town welcomed back eager shoppers as non-essential shops – from New Look to Fat Face and Argos – were finally allowed to reopen, alongside outside hospitality, fitness centres, and close-contact services like hairdressers, nail salons and tattoo parlours. Chris Tooley, landlord of the King’s Arms pub on Wallingford Street, revealed the spacious beer garden - which can fit up to 120 people - was packed on Monday Over the last few months he has been working on refurbishing the garden, which he said has kept him ‘sane’ as he lives on his own.