Sleaford businesses all set to restart when lockdown roadmap allows - bosses are patient but say they must remain open this time

With infection and death rates falling nationally, schools are allowed to fully reopen from Monday and the stay at home order will be lifted on March 29.

The government is giving time to check if infection rates rise before allowing opening up further in stages in a four step plan.

Despite having a large canopied outdoor area to open on April 12, Hollie Blankley at Watergate Yard in Sleaford wondered whether it will be viable to open fully or just peak days. She said: “Re-opening comes with additional costs in making it covid-secure and needing more staff for table service.”

Hollie understood those that argue bars should fully open at the same time as shops, but warned: “We are not naieve enough to think that alcohol doesn’t influence people’s behaviour. I am happy we are being able to open in some way and if people carry on doing as they should it will not be that much longer.”

Lucy Darmon of The Grapes in Sleaford said they will have to wait until May because of lack of outdoor seating and hoped for no further delays

Lucy said: “I know my team, along with everyone else in the hospitality industry, have found this last year really tough, both financially and emotionally. We were, however, better prepared this time around, and with government financial support, we are one of the lucky ones that will survive this pandemic.

“I think the government are right to be cautious as I don’t think anyone wants another lockdown. If this is what it takes to get us all open, and stay open, then I’m more than happy to wait until May.”

Sophie Hare runs Hare and Beauty salons in Ruskington and Heckington and was tearfully happy to hear she may be able to reopen in April - sooner than she expected.

“I’m not taking any bookings yet as I don’t want to jinx it,” she said.

“This lockdown has been the hardest one yet because it has been darker, shorter days and miserable.”

Sophie was grateful for the government support but it still has not been enough to cover all her salon costs. She has kept herself busy doing her accounts and giving hair and beauty tutorials on social media.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my clients and catching up,” she said.

“We are going to have to be fully booked to try and rake in what we have lost. Last summer we lost £70,000.

“I thought, shall I just give up and do a normal paid job, but me and the girls love the job and each other.”

Grame Theodore and Ian Greaves run Metheringham Gym and said: “If it wasn’t for our gym members’ continued support we would never have survived this pandemic. The government grants have helped, but with the added help of our members supporting the gym financially we have so far got through the impact the coronavirus has caused.”

They fully supported the government’s decision as they believed in protecting lives.

When they do reopen they will be running on very low membership numbers compared to a year ago. They added: “We have been working hard behind the scenes during lockdown to improve our facility, and to plan our own pathway to survival. We are confident we can achieve this with hard work and the community’s support.”