BUSINESSES owners in Evesham have expressed their excitement about reopening their doors to customers on Monday.

From Monday, April 12, non-essential retail will be allowed to reopen.

Hospitality venues have been closed in England since December, with the industry adapting by offering customers a takeaway service throughout the Winter months.

However from Monday, pubs, cafes and restaurants who can provide an outdoor service can welcome back customers.

The Rule of Six will be in place, meaning you can visit with up to five other people. It will be table service only, and everyone must sit outside, only going indoors to use the toilet.

Landlord of The Fleece Inn at Bretforton Nigel Smith, said he is very excited about being able to welcome back customers.

“It’s been quite a wait and now it will be good to spring back into life,” he said.

“We have quite a few covered areas outside as well so customers will be nice and dry even if it rains.

“We have a lot of bookings, so we’re pretty booked out for the first week although we still have a little bit of room for those who would like to come along.”

He added:”I hope that the structured approach that we’re undertaking means we won’t have any reversals going forward – it’s been difficult for us but necessary, and with the vaccine and all the measures being introduced I’m feeling very confident.

“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming our customers back, old and new.”

Gyms and spas can also reopen on Monday, and Richard James, the owner of Lift Up gym in Vale Business Park said he is eager to return.

He said: “It’s been a really tough lockdown this one.

“We opened up on February 1 2020, and were only open for five weeks before lockdown, and it was the same the next time around, we opened for a month before the next lockdown.

“It is a relief to be able to reopen again and we’re all trying to exhale and start again.

“We anticipate usage is going to be high and that demand will be there which we need it to be, but we’re really looking forward to welcoming people back.”

People will also be able to get a hair cut on Monday with hairdressers and barbers able to take bookings, including beauty and nail salons.