With the continued rapid pace of the vaccine rollout in Shropshire, the long Easter weekend to look forward to, and clocks changing at the end of March, April really does feel like we have moved into a new phase of life returning to some sense of normality.

For so many in retail, personal care, community assets, self-contained accommodation, outdoor attractions and of course, much of the hospitality sector, this month represents the end of the long wait to return to trading.

This month we move into Step 2 – no earlier than 12th April – which sees the reopening of non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres. Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups), as well as most outdoor attractions.

Step 2 will also see a decision taken on whether to allow two named visitors to care homes. The past 12 months have been so tough for care home residents, so I sincerely hope we are in a position to do this. In addition, the number of people able to attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events such as wakes will rise to 15.

I know the past year has hit the pub and hospitality trade incredibly hard, so I am pleased that Step 2 also sees the reopening of hospitality venues to serve people outside, without the need for a substantial meal – so ending the scotch egg debate - and without a curfew, although customers must order, eat and drink while seated (table service).

We are lucky to have so many brilliant pubs and restaurants across South Shropshire, so I hope residents will support their favourite local, once we are allowed to do so – though it will be important to adhere to the rules to prevent indoor mixing between different households.

Given the vital importance of tourism to the South Shropshire economy, and the thousands of local jobs it supports, it will come as a great relief to local accommodation providers and the many people who own touring caravans that this month self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen.

The Global Travel Taskforce will also report to the Prime Minister on 12th April with recommendations about how to resume international travel as soon as possible, while managing the risk from imported cases and potential new variants – though this will be no earlier than 17th May, as we move to Step 3. 

South Shropshire would, in normal times, be looking forward to hosting larger events throughout the year – including the Ludlow Food Festival, and Burwarton Show, both of whose committees are keen to hold their event if possible. No one wants another year gone without these stellar events, so I am pleased that from Step 2 the government will begin a scientific Events Research Programme, to run throughout the Spring. This will allow a series of larger pilot events, using an enhanced testing approach and other measures to evaluate the impact of larger crowds and reduced social distancing

I wish readers a very pleasant Easter, and hope that the coming month will bring some relief and optimism as restrictions are loosened.