Shops in Malvern opened their doors today after another lockdown.
City shoppers can now visit non-essential retailers and eateries, although they are advised to be careful.
Lucy Watkins, owner of Belle Beauty, said: “We are overjoyed to reopen today. With weekly Covid tests for employees, we feel completely safe.
“Today was wonderful to see customers returning and lining up outside of many local businesses in Malvern.
“The on-site support for us was incredible and we would like to thank everyone who shopped with us during the closure and booked over the next few months.”
Another new opening is the Malvern Splash Leisure Center, which welcomes guests for the first time since a multi-million pound renovation.
Cllr Sarah Rouse, Chair of the Malvern Hills District Council, welcomed the return of business to the city.
She said, “It feels so good when our shops open and our pubs and cafes can serve us again.
“I’m really looking forward to going to my local pub and getting a haircut.
“The ability to support our local businesses is key to rebuilding our economy.
“We delivered our new look, the Malvern Splash, and it’s ready for everyone, especially the young people with all the new gadgets.”
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said: “The vaccination program has been a great success and I urge everyone to have a push if invited.
“This means that our hospital has seen a sharp drop in cases and the shops are reopening and we can get back to doing the things we love.
“I plan to be out in the coming weeks to show my support for local retailers and local eateries.
“My hairdresser won’t be able to see me until the second half of May so there is clearly a lot of backlog demand and I hope people are eager to shop locally in a covid-safe manner.
“The finance committee of which I am a member has heard evidence that there is over £ 150 billion of money saved waiting to be spent and the economy in need of an upturn.”
Were you back in the shops in Malvern today? Let us know.