'Thank you Bozza!' Northampton businesses react to being officially told they can reopen from July 4

Businesses in Northampton have been celebrating being told they can reopen on July 4 by Prime Minister Boris Johnson today (Tuesday, June 23).

A long list of industries in England can welcome back customers in just under two weeks with the two-metre social distancing rule reduced to 'one-metre plus' having been shut since March 23.

The Smoke Pit restaurant in The Ridings posted on Facebook: "This is just amazing ain’t it! Thank you Bozza!

"We will be setting up a safe table plan in the coming days, till then can we say a massive thanks to everyone that’s supported us through this **** storm! We did it."

Mr Johnson told the House of Commons the spread of coronavirus has reduced to a level where it is safe to reopen more businesses and ease social distancing to make it easier to do so.

The hospitality industry has been putting pressure on the Government to allow pubs, bars and restaurants to serve customers indoors again, and they got their wish.

They will be able to open but only with a table service indoors and customers' contact details will be needed to help with contact tracing.

The Spinney Hill in Kettering Road wrote on Facebook that the team are looking forward to the big day with lots of preparation to do to ensure customers' safety.

"Well we are back working in the pub getting it ready for the anticipated re opening," the post said.

"Lots getting done ready to reopen! Turning on all the equipment to ensure it’s working and giving it all a thorough clean after being off for so long!!!"

Saffron Indian restaurant in Castilian Street encouraged followers to start booking tables with limited space available in its Covid-adapted dining room.

"We will be reopening on July 4 and we welcome today's announcements by the PM as they are crucial for our economic future, people's jobs & livelihoods," the restaurant posted on Facebook.

"They'll enable a greater return to normal life which has been made possible by the immense sacrifices by everyone following the guidelines and the heroic work of all the frontline staff in the NHS.

"However, we must stress the importance of continuing to follow the guidelines so we are truly able to defeat this virus once and for all."

Hair salons and barbers were expected to also be in the tranche of businesses to get the green light to open again on July 4, with many preparing behind-the-scenes.

Pixies Hair Salon in St Leonards Road, Far Cotton, put on its Facebook page: Yay!! We can open on July 4 with some very important safety measures put in place which I will be popping on here later.

"Please everyone bear with us while we try and contact everyone, we will get round to everyone and get you all booked in! Me and Lucy are as excited as you guys."

Also allowed to reopen next month are visitor attractions such as libraries, cinemas, art galleries, museums, zoos and amusement parks.

J Gallery in West Street, Moulton, excitedly posted on Facebook: "Re-opening July 4 at 10am. Social distance will be in operation. Limited menu!! Drinks and cake only.

"Lower gallery and garden open. Contact us at [email protected] for more information. Looking forward to seeing friends of the gallery again."

But the prime minister warned that all steps are reversible if Covid-19 cases go back up.

There are still some firms who cannot yet open, such as nail and beauty salons, nightclubs, spas, swimming pools, bowling alleys, indoor play areas, tattoo and massage parlours and indoor gyms.

Buckby Health and Leisure in High Street, Long Buckby, posted: "Following today’s announcement, I am gutted to say we will remain closed for the time being.

"We will wait for the next update and keep you posted with any news as soon as we get it! Missing you all and hope to see you very soon."

Charlotte's Web Tattoo Studio on Park Avenue North wrote on Facebook: "Hey guys, just a quick update after today’s announcment, we won’t be opening as we hoped on July 4th unfortunately.

"We haven’t been given a date yet as to when we will but we will keep you updated as and when we find out.

"When we have a provisional date we will contact you all regarding your appointments. We hope to see you guys soon!"