Warwick is ready to welcome back shoppers and visitors as Covid-19 restrictions ease

Warwick is ready and looking forward to welcoming back shoppers and visitors - that's the message from Warwick Chamber of Trade and businesses across the town.

From Monday April 12, the government’s roadmap out of lockdown will allow most outdoor visitor attractions to reopen to the public as well as businesses in the hospitality sector such as shops, hairdressers, gyms and outdoor areas at pubs and restaurants.

Businesses across the county town say they are prepared welcome back visitors and hope people will continue to support them moving forward.

Sue Butcher, chair of Warwick Chamber of Trade, said: “We look forward to the opening of most of our businesses on April 12 .

"Many of our independent businesses have shown real initiative and worked really hard during lockdown to support their customers in different ways.

"We are excited about welcoming our customers back to our safe and friendly town and hope everyone will continue to support their local businesses."

Chris Proudfoot, owner of The Old Fourpenny Shop Hotel (https://www.4pennyhotel.co.uk/) said: “We’ve got lots of bookings and lots of enthusiasm from people who are keen to come back.

"It’s just a case of holding our breath and seeing what the weather does and whether it will put people off.

"We’re ready and we’re excited.

"You’re talking about people in hospitality who haven’t been able to do what they love for nearly a year so the whole team is keen to get back to doing what they do.”

Mog and Pauline from Warwick Books (http://www.warwickbooks.net/) said: "Our customers have been telling us how excited they are to be able to come look back and browse in our shop again.

"We are looking forward to welcoming them back - all of our customers have been very supportive during the lockdown periods."

Rebecca at Coco Rose and Kokua, said: "We're all very excited that we can reopen on Monday - we can't wait to welcome everyone back into the store and be able to show off our fabulous new collections (and chat!).

"We have really missed seeing and connecting with our lovely customers, who have been really supportive during all of the lockdowns - visiting our online stores (www.cocorose.co.uk and www.kokua.co.uk) and using our click and collect service.

"We're feeling very positive that so many people are now actively looking to shop local."

John Martin, owner of Dough and Brew (https://www.doughandbrew.com/) said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming customers back to our covered outside space.

"It’s great to be taking another step towards normality and we’re looking forward to the next step in May and a summer of welcoming customers back and seeing them support their local businesses.”

Janet Baldry, owner of Park Cottage (a Grade II listed property at the entrance to Warwick Castle - www.parkcottagewarwick.co.uk), said: "Obviously we can’t re-open our B&B until May 17, in line with the country’s roadmap…however, we also have two self-catering cottages, which we are pleased to announce can re-open on April 12 for guests from the same household.

“Having only been open for three months in the past year, we will be so pleased to be able to welcome back guests next Monday."

The Mayor of Warwick, Cllr Terry Morris added: "I’m delighted to be adding my support to the additional businesses who are re-opening their doors from Monday April 12.

"We are very lucky to have so much independent retail and hospitality in Warwick, and I’d like to once again recognise all those who have adapted throughout lockdowns to enable customers to continue to buy their products and services.

"I’d encourage everyone to shop local and support Warwick’s wonderful shops and businesses as we continue our journey out of the pandemic."

On Monday April 12 the Mayor of Warwick will also be going around 're-opening' businesses in the town.

Warwick Chamber of Trade will also be launching another video this week to promote the town and its independent businesses.