Local business reaction to the Prime Minister's 'one-way road to freedom'

Yesterday we summarised the government's four step roadmap out of lockdown, and you can take another look at the proposed dates for gradual easing of restrictions by clicking or tapping here.

Today we asked some local businesses and organisations for their reactions to the plan.

Robbie Matthews, Chairman of Heswall Football Club: "Heswall FC is pleased that there is both an opportunity to get our players playing football again and a light at the end of the tunnel towards normality. We appreciate how important not only the physical side of football is, but also the part it plays in the mental health of our lads. We also can't wait to welcome back our supporters too - we've missed them and feel great gratitude to them for the role they play in our club. We hope to announce some events across the summer at Gayton Park once all restrictions are lifted, so please look out for them."

Andrew Collinge, owner of hair salons across the north west: "Hairdressing salons being allowed to reopen on April 12 is the news everyone at our Heswall salon has been waiting for. We can't wait to welcome back our clients. Although this current lockdown will be longer than I first expected I think it's the right decision to wait a bit longer. The main thing is that we hopefully don't have to go back into another one. We still envisage for the time being that the same rules will apply to social distancing and PPE requirements. Our priority throughout the past year has been and will continue to be the safety and well being of our employees and our clients."

Sue Porter of Linghams, recently named as a Regional Finalist in the Independent Bookshop of the Year award, is looking forward to turning over a new leaf: "I'm really pleased as we now have something to work to and prepare for. Obviously not set in stone but it just feels a positive step which is, to be honest, what we really need right now. We have to try and get back to some sort of normal in our lives, the vaccines will help us to achieve this and allow the High Street to open once more! And it's wonderful to think that later this year we may have great authors back in the shop and other venues talking about their work to readers who enjoy our Linghams events so much. Fingers crossed!"

Jenny Stock, chair of the board of trustees of Heswall Hall: "We broadly welcome the government's roadmap to bring us out of what has been a long and difficult few months for us all. We've spent a lot of time behind the scenes preparing for re-opening and now we're stepping up a gear. It feels as though things are moving in the right direction. We formed special partnerships that will bring great new things, and we can't wait to welcome back our regular users and see the hall come back to life again."