SHOPS and businesses across Craven reopened their doors last week after the government moved to step two of its roadmap to recovery out of the coronavirus pandemic.

Pub gardens and non-essential shops can now open - as part of the next stage of easing lockdown rules. Hairdressers and nail salons, libraries, indoor gyms and community centres have also been able to open from April 12.

It’s been a tough time for independent businesses across the district, but the sense of relief and excitement surrounding the reopening has been palpable.

Craven District Council’s Reopening High Streets Safely campaign, which has been funded by the EU, is urging shoppers to come back support their local businesses, but also to be sensible and do their bit to stop the spread of Covid.

Skipton MP Julian Smith has also urged people to take up the new freedoms and support local businesses, particularly those in the one of the hardest hit hospitality industry.

Allison Murray, who has been running The Barber Shop on Station Road in Bentham for 11 years with Rachel Cowgill, said: “Stopping and starting has been difficult over the past year, so it’s been great to see all of our customers again.

“After the last lockdown, we saw a massive influx then it went quiet for a bit. But we’re hoping that now events will soon start up again – things like weddings and also children seeing their grandparents –the sort of thing people like to get their hair cut for, we’ll see a more steady flow of customers.”

Rachel added: “Everyone has taken a hit from it, and some shops have closed, but hopefully they’ll fill up again soon. We have been well supported by the government and the council, and we’re very grateful for that.

“I think somethings may have changed forever – some people will have bought clippers and we may not see them again, but hopefully with home working we’ll also see new customers who’ll get hair cut in town, rather than popping out on their lunchbreak from their office in a different town.”

Dick Unsworth has been running Ingleton Pottery for 50 years. He said: “Lockdown was rather boring at times, so it’s great to see our regular customers and hopefully some tourists again soon. It’s really important people support their local potter - and other businesses of course – but especially potters. And especially potters based in Ingleton.”

Mark Tennant, owner of The Art Shop in Skipton, said: “Lockdown saw a real boom in creativity, and our online service has done well, but we are really pleased to have opened the shop again. It’s really what the business is about as we can offer the right guidance and help to our customers.”

Keeping staff and customers has been top of the agenda for independent businesses and the district council.

The council has set up clear signage across all of the high streets in the district, urging people to follow the government guidelines. It has also created a suite of documents such as posters to help business owners at www.cravendc.gov.uk/coronavirus

The Art Shop in Skipton is helping customers with clear safety signage as soon as they walk in, as well as free masks for anyone who has forgotten to bring one. They also have a screen at the till, a one-way system around the shop and a hand sanitiser dispenser.

The Barber Shop is adopting a bookings only policy, and is allowing an extra five minutes between cuts to allow them time to sanitise each station and avoid queues outside the shop. Ingleton Pottery has a ‘shop only’ policy, with customers unable to enter the workshop currently.

Mark , of The Art Shop, added: “It’s vital people support the town and the high street, particularly the independents as it’s been a very tough time for all. We’re delighted to be back, and if everyone follows the guidance, hopefully we can stay that way.”

The Art Shop will be offering double points on its loyalty cards for the first two weeks after lockdown to encourage customers back in.

Craven District Council is also working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to support businesses in the area to comply with Covid-secure measures.

Businesses will be contacted and during the checks, officers can provide advice and guidance to help manage risks and protect workers, customers and visitors in line with government guidelines.

Being Covid-secure means that businesses need to put adjustments in place to manage the risk and protect workers and others from coronavirus.

Officers do also have powers to issue enforcement notices and stop certain work practices until they are made safe.