Fleetwood businesses facing up to lockdown

Pubs, cafes, restaurants and non-essential shops will have to close as part of the latest restrictions, which are set to last until Wednesday, December 2.

It could not be worse news for businesses who endured months of coronavirus lockdown earlier this year and were then given a glimmer of hope when they were able to reopen in July.

Many shops have already bought Christmas stock and were hoping for a clear of trade up to the festive period.

Businesswoman Jayne Robinson opened colourful lingerie shop Baby Jane in the summer, with the launch delayed by four months due to the pandemic.

Now the shop is closing again, with Jayne having taken on two members of staff just four weeks ago.

She said: "It could not be worse timing, we have bought in Christmas stock and if we can't sell it during the season, we'rev stuck.

"if we can get help from the Government we might be alright, if not there we are going to struggle and i worry we may not be here next year.

"I don't blame the Government for deciding on lockdown, I just wish they had announced it sooner so businesses would have had more time to prepare."

Pubs are in the same situation and at The Steamer pub and restaurant, on Queens Terrace, Sheree Little said: "We just have to batten down the hatches and try and stay safe, we do need to stop this awful virus.

"It is very difficult, because of the work we will have to do behind the scenes. Hopefully we can all reopen on December 2."

At another business, the GYGO games lounge on Lord Street, Nick Cannon and Naomi Railton have been able to diversify by customising, repairing and also selling consoles and games, as well as running the lounge, where groups can play console games and sessions at the pool table.

Nick said: "The lounge has had to shut since September and it isn't ideal - the whole point was to give young people somewhere to go and meet up. But devloping the retail side has been vital after a year like this one."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the new restrictions on Sunday evening.

Although pubs, bars and restaurants will close, takeaways will be allowed.

The restrictions will be similar to those introduced at the start of the pandemic in March, however this time schools and universities are expected to remain open.

People will still be able to exercise outdoors, and travel to work if they cannot work from home, though restrictions on international travel are likely to be introduced.