'Sensible' approach to easing lockdown is needed, says Bridgnorth business leader

Bridgnorth Chamber of Commerce said businesses were yearning to reopen, but accepted it would be a mistake for them to "rush into something that leads to further problems".

It comes after South Shropshire MP Philip Dunne praised all those involved in the roll out of the vaccination programme, but warned "we are not out of the woods yet".

Mr Dunne was speaking in response to the Prime Minister's roadmap set out at the beginning of the week, indicating which sectors of the economy could be brought out of lockdown in the coming months.

Key dates include a return for schools on March 8, non-essential retail reopening no earlier than April 12, and most restrictions on meeting outdoors lifted no earlier than May 17, before all legal limits will be removed no earlier than June 21 – providing the vaccine programme continues successfully and there is no spike in infection rates.

Pubs will be able to open on April 12 but for outdoor service only and certain competitive sport is scheduled to begin again on March 29.

Steve Robbins, chairman of Bridgnorth Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's going to be limiting, it's the wrong time of the year for people to be drinking outside, but anything that can help pubs come out of lockdown is good.

"They've had it particularly difficult and I know they're desperate to get back to the situation where they can have people go in and sit down for a drink.

"Shopkeepers that have businesses which are closed are ready to get back to work and are looking forward to be able to do so.

"I share their views in that we would rather it be done sensibly and cautiously, as appears to be happening, rather than rush into something that leads to further problems."

The key dates for easing lockdown are dependent on the ongoing success of the vaccine programme, evidence the vaccine is working, infection rates remaining bearable for the NHS and risk assessments remaining valid in the face of new information.