WEST Somerset tourist hospitality returns tomorrow (Saturday) with the reopening of hotels, pubs and restaurants and proprietors are “cautiously confident” that they can still recover something from what has been a disastrous season.

Shops, too, are looking on the bright side. Minehead BID Director Debbie Sawatzki, from Lovely Boutique, said: “All of our independent shops have adhered to the government guidelines to make the shopping experience as safe as it can be.”

Sharon Potter from Knickerbocker Glory in The Parade added: “It has been nice to see the town opening up again. The wider pavements with the friendly bright safer distance signage will make it feel comfortable and safe.

“The free car parks are also well signed to encourage shoppers back and when you reach shops, they all have done all they can to make customers feel safe.”

Graham Sizer, BID chairman, said: “We really hope local residents will support all shops this Saturday and over forthcoming weeks. We look forward to a really successful reopening.”

For the full report, see today’s Free Press.