'Shop local' plea as Ribble Valley traders prepare to reopen today

Traders across the Ribble Valley have expressed their delight at finally being allowed to reopen.
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Today (April 12th) sees lockdown rules changed to allow all non-essential retail and businesses to reopen.

Pubs and restaurants can also reopen if serving food or drink outdoors, with customers required to order from their table and remain seated.

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Other rule changes include hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons to resume business among the personal care sector, as well as indoor leisure activities, including gyms, to reopen for individual or household group use.

RVBC Leader Stephen Atkinson delighted businesses are ready to reopen todayRVBC Leader Stephen Atkinson delighted businesses are ready to reopen today
RVBC Leader Stephen Atkinson delighted businesses are ready to reopen today

And as the light at the end of the tunnel finally begins to shine brighter, Clitheroe businesses are looking forward to welcoming people back into the town.

Ian Sowerbutts, of H. M. Sowerbutts and Co Ltd furniture store in King Street, said: "We are looking forward to re-opening and are hopeful that local customers will support their local town and it's businesses after what has been an unprecedented 14 week closure period.

"For many local businesses the remainder of 2021 will be crucial to their ability to survive in the longer term and if the public want to experience a vibrant and diverse Clitheroe town centre going forward then now is the time to shop locally."

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Elsewhere in the town, premium Italian restaurant Piccolino is inviting guests to get ready to dine as it prepares to reopen for alfresco dining from today.

Dine Alfresco at Piccolino Clitheroe from todayDine Alfresco at Piccolino Clitheroe from today
Dine Alfresco at Piccolino Clitheroe from today

Located on Moor Lane, the restaurant’s generous terrace provides the perfect environment in which to reunite with family and friends.

Guests are invited to dine from morning through to night, soaking up the spring sunshine during daylight hours and the warmth of the restaurant’s terrace heaters in the evening, with a new spring menu promising to satisfy all appetites.

For diners planning a little further ahead, guests can book a table for restaurant dining from May 17th. Reservations for alfresco and restaurant dining are restricted to groups of six and families of two households, with drinks permitted whilst seated.

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Speaking on the reopening, regional operations manager at Piccolino, Pepe Merdzan, said: “After what has been a difficult time for everyone, we’re pleased to share a little good news and announce that we will be reopening the doors to our beautiful restaurant for alfresco dining from today and for restaurant dining from May 17th.

“We cannot wait to welcome the return of our loyal guests.”

Meanwhile, Ribble Valley Borough Council leader, Stephen Atkinson, said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on our retailers and it is imperative that they have the opportunity to get back to business."