On Air Now Alex Cann 6:00am - 11:00am
Now Playing Jonas Brothers x Bailey Zimmerman Strong Enough

Ashton independent businesses can't wait to reopen

Whether it's a perm or a pint, local non-essential businesses say they are looking forward to opening after lockdown from Monday, April 12 - but need your support.

Such businesses have been closed since early January, when the third lockdown was imposed amid the rising cases of Covid.

But from Monday, April 12, the second step in the Government’s roadmap to take the country out of lockdown can be taken, meaning barbers, pubs and restaurants serving drink and food outside plus non-essential shops can all get up and trading again. 

Customers are expected to shop alone or in household groups and adhere to each retailer’s Covid safety measures. 

In Ashton’s town centre, many independent businesses say they are feeling hopeful about the future for the local high street. 

Val Unwin at Decision’s Clothing added and a leading figure in the Ashton Town Team said: “This last lockdown has been a hard slog and didn’t get any easier. I’ve shut the shop for 34 out of last 55 weeks. We’re definitely ready to open and see people again. 

“People are ready to see us again too. I’ve had messages saying, ‘I’ll be in on Monday’ and lots of support from customers.

“We’ve lost a lot of high street names during this pandemic, but small shops are still here. When you shop independent, you help the local economy and provide local jobs, so it’s really important that people get back into the town centre, because there’s a lot on offer.” 

Val has also gone to a lot of trouble to ensure her customers feel safe. Masks are mandatory, there’s hand sanitiser on entering and only three people will be permitted in the shop at any one time. Clothes can still be tried on though, as they are then quarantined and steamed afterward. 

Rosie’s Coffee Bar and Kitchen has been running a takeaway service in the outdoor market but is excited to be offering sit-down menus again. 

Kim Wright said: “I’m quite nervous, because I’m not sure what to expect, but lots of customers have already been supporting us at our takeaway business. 

“However, they miss the ambience and relaxed atmosphere of Rosie’s. I think they also want to return to a bit of normality.

“To ensure the café is safe, masks are mandatory, track and trace is available and there are screens separating tables. Old and new customers can expect to feel comfortable and welcome.” 

Sincerely Yours is a card and balloon gift shop owned by Julie Kelly.

She told us: “This lockdown has been the worse yet. The weather hasn’t been very good until more recently and people can’t get out or are not motivated to. 

“I’m looking forward to getting back to normal, I think everyone is fed up. Customers have contacted me to say good luck and that they’ll pop in on Monday. I’ve missed speaking to them face-to-face. 

“I really want to encourage people to come down and shop local. We’ll look after you, unlike a lot of the bigger shops and supermarkets, which let too many people in at once.” 

Her store off Market Street permits only three customers in at one time and has stickers on the floor to promote social distancing. Masks must be worn, and hand sanitiser is available. 

New Shu, a ladies shoe shop, has already received its new stock for Spring and Summer. 

Owner Deborah Turner said: “Times have been really tough for local businesses, so I’d really encourage people to come and have a browse. It’s nice for me to see people again and many customers are more like friends. I’ve worried about them, especially the older ones. 

“Lot of people have expressed to me that they’re excited to get out to the shops, so I hope Monday reflects that.” 

Like the other businesses, Deborah has a three-customer rule and social distancing in effect. Hand sanitiser is supplied, and masks are mandatory, these go a long way to keeping shoppers safe. 

Retailers across the UK are also calling for a ‘Shop Out to Help Out’ scheme from the government. Though there’s been nothing to suggest the scheme will be adopted, shoppers can still do their bit to keep independent retailers in business by choosing to shop local.

Read more from the Tameside Reporter

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper

More from Tameside Reporter

Weather

  • Fri

    12°C

  • Sat

    13°C

  • Sun

    14°C

  • Mon

    10°C