WEST Somerset shops and businesses were optimistic but cautious when they opened their doors on Monday – many for the first time for four months – and were greeted by an unexpected number of tourists and visitors who had headed to the Westcountry the moment the lockdown was lifted.

Locals were out in force, too, with 20-metre queues outside one Minehead hairdresser and footfall figures in Minehead for the first day after lockdown showing a 145 per cent increase in numbers on the previous week.

Dan James from Something Else Hair Salon said: “It has been so great to be back – very long hours at the moment but it is all worth it to see the smiles on everyone’s faces. We thank all of our clients for their continued support.”

Andy and Jackie Jago from Threads added: “Monday was a really busy day with many locals coming into our store – as the week has gone they have been joined by visitors to the area. All customers have been really good with covid precautions and everyone seems to be almost considering it second nature now.”

Debbie Sawatzki from Lovely Boutique said: “It was wonderful to see so many people in town and so many well-wishers popping in to welcome me back.”

David Bale, barbers in Friday Street, had a full compliment of staff working but customers still had to queue down the street until mid-morning. Though the weather was chilly, cafe and pub owners with outside space had prepared for the unlock and were not disappointed on their first day of trading.

For the full story see this week’s West Somerset Free Press.