Frodsham businesses react to yesterday's 'road map' announcement

As part of Monday's 'road map' announcement, the Prime Minister stated that, if infection rates remain under control, non-essential retail, hairdressers and beauty salons would be allowed to reopen on April 12.

Many Frodsham businesses have since reacted enthusiastically to this news, excited by the now more tangible prospect of seeing their customers once again.

Hairdressers and personal care businesses

With many of their customers already desperate for a haircut, some Frodsham hairdressers have started preparing for their reopening.

Hair by Design will be taking appointments from Monday 1 March. Owner Jackie Bishop added "I would like to thank each and every one for supporting my little salon through this difficult time. Sending love to all."

For contact details and further information, visit the Hair by Design Facebook page.

Elegance Health and Beauty in Kingsley already have their waiting list up and running, while Serenity Helsby have reopened their online booking system.

The team are also taking calls from those who are already desperate for a post-lockdown pamper session.

"We can't wait to see you all, catch up and pamper you all," they said in a message on their Facebook page.

Other hairdressers and beauty salons, while still excited by the 'road map' news, have decided to wait until the end of March before taking bookings.

Shops

We spoke to three Frodsham shop owners, for whom the government 'road map' represents a welcome light at the end of a very long tunnel.

Lisa Darwin, owner of Petals Vintage, told Frodsham Nub News: "I really can't wait to open our doors and see our customers again!

"Most are like friends to us and it will be so great to catch up.

"Whilst we respect the need for distance and restrictions to be in place we are looking forward to welcoming our customers old & new back into a safest place possible.

"I think as a small family business it's great to have a reopening date to work towards to help put plans into place.

"And I'm excited to have a shop full of goodies for browsing! Until then we are still operating our click and collect from the website which is running smoothly and safely."

Handknitted with Love's Cath Darlington shared Lisa's enthusiasm, adding, "I was pleased to hear the news and April 12th is good for me as I'll have a week to reorganise the shop, restock and get ready to go back in.

"I'm looking forward to a good summer, autumn and winter as long as the Covid-19 numbers are more controllable!

"The next thing would be to get my lessons and workshops organised and, of course, Knit & Knatter sessions for my lovely ladies."

Paul and Adrian from Me & Mr Jones concluded: "The earliest snowdrops remind us each year that spring is on its way with the promise of longer, warmer days.

"Last night's announcement gave us hope for all our eventual release, the anticipation of having a re-opening date and the excitement to welcome you all back into the store - even if it is still some way off...

"By the time we are able to re-open we will have been in business for 9.5 months, out of which 4.5 months will have been spent in lockdown.

"We have so much empathy with all other new business-owners who have found themselves in the same situation throughout the pandemic."

Sports Facilities

While indoor leisure centres will also have to wait until at least April 12 to reopen, organised outdoor sports may be able to return from March 29.

With this news in mind, Steve Gardner, owner of My Fitness Works, has begun to take bookings for his studio's outdoor area, where he will be able to offer personal training and group classes for up to six people.

Then, if Stage 2 of the lockdown relaxation goes ahead as planned on April 12, Steve will be able to provide one-to-one training inside once again.