The mayor of Bridport has welcomed the easing of lockdown restrictions and the town's businesses being able to reopen their doors.

There was a palpable feeling of excitement as Cllr Ian Bark walked around town last Friday as businesses prepared to reopen on Monday.

He went back on Monday and was greeted by "a lot of happy shopkeepers and eager customers".

He said: "The town was absolutely buzzing by 10.30am. Behind the masks I could tell by the twinkle in their eyes that people were smiling, enjoying a little bit of freedom, and greeting each other warmly like long lost friends. It was a lovely atmosphere and to top it all the sun came out.

"It was great to see people sitting outside cafes once again enjoying a morning coffee and chatting away.

"My wife and I enjoyed an excellent coffee and Portuguese Custard Tart sitting outside Gelateria Beppino. Snooks window is once again filled with hats, Smith and Smith have a string of hearts hanging on their door spelling out welcome, hairdressers and barbers everywhere were busy and Steves and Gunz both had men queuing in the street to have their lockdown locks shorn.

"Bucky Doo Square was busy and it was great to see the TIC open once again with familiar friendly faces ready to serve and advise behind the now familiar Perspex screens.

"It was a day for local people to come out and enjoy the town's reawakening from a very long period of enforced restrictions triggered by the surge in Covid-19 infections in the run up to Christmas.

"It was great to see so many people out and about, spending money, wearing masks and conducting themselves sensibly. This is exactly what we need to continue to do if the high street is to continue to thrive, and the virus is kept at bay."

Cllr Bark is also encouraging residents to welcome visitors to the area, who will no doubt be arriving in the coming weeks.

He added: "I know many local people have reservations about our visitors and the impact they have.

"Whether we like it or not, Bridport and the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a tourist area and the revenue brought in is a vital part of the local economy. A huge number of people who now call Bridport home have moved here for the same reason that tourists visit. Who are we to deny them that same all be it temporary opportunity?

"If we embrace them and make them welcome, they will respect us and the area so much more."

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