BUSINESS owners, school leaders and politicians in Evesham have expressed their delight at the government's plan to reopen the economy in the coming months.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced outdoor hospitality could resume from April 12 as part of the government's four-step plan to ease Covid restrictions and bring the country out of lockdown.

Up to six people from separate households could be able to meet in beer gardens from that date.

Six people or two households should be able to meet indoors - including pubs, bars and restaurants - from May 17 under plans.

Lisa Whelan, the owner of Jelly Pickle Jam Tea Shop in Vine Mews, said: "It’s going to be lovely, we’re really excited to have people coming back.

"I think it’s good that there is a four month roadmap because I think people were initially confused with the tier system that was in place – it's good to have some consistency and a clear plan now.

"It’s very exciting to get back to some sense of normality and for people to see each other properly. The vaccine has been a big part of that and it's still dependent on the success of it. From the business perspective we can’t wait to reopen again."

Julie Gittus, who runs The Cider Mill on Pershore Road, said it will be 'marvellous' to welcome customers back, but there "needs to be more clarity from the Government."

"There’s a lot of detail that needs to be clarified," said Julie.

We still need to know exactly what our responsibilities will be.

"Will we still need to provide hand sanitising stations and temperature checks?

"So there still needs to be more clarity."

Sid Collins, who runs the Trumpet Inn, said:"Until we will know what extra support we will be getting, we will probably wait until May 17 to open," he said.

"It's amazing that the vaccinations are going really well, and as along as there's no hiccups - and that’s the worrying thing - then June 21 could be a huge day of celebration around the country, but people still have to be careful as the virus will still be with us.

"I’m optimistic and I'm happy, but still very cautious."

Schools are set to reopen to all children on March 8.

Clive Corbett, the former head of Pershore High and executive officer for Avonreach Academy Trust, said: "I think this plan is the best thing for children's education, but there does appear to be evidence that schools are responsible for some of the spreading of the disease, so therefore it’s sensible to be cautious, we need to take things steadily."

Mid-Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston said: "“I think the Prime Minister’s statement yesterday came as a welcome indication that as we rollout the vaccine, things will be looking up this Spring and Summer. Important sectors of the local economy including retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism now have a roadmap to recovery around which they can plan. But we must proceed with reopening in a cautious manner. As the Prime Minister explained yesterday, data will be carefully evaluated at each step to ensure we’re in a good place to move onto the next step and we will ease restrictions at a careful and considered pace. The five-week break between steps means that we will have ample time to analyse if any changes need to be made to the plans.”