RYEDALE businesses reopened their doors this week with the message ‘welcome back’.

With the further easing of Covid restrictions from Monday, April 12, many of the district’s retailers, beauty salons and pubs safely welcomed back residents and visitors.

Tom Naylor Leyland, director of Visit Malton, said:“It’s absolutely brilliant news that all shops, pubs and restaurants are now able to open. Naturally for the retail sector, non-essential shops and hospitality sector in particular it’s been a very difficult time.

“However, Malton is ready and waiting to offer the fantastic customer service, the enticing and delicious products and the warm welcome that has become synonymous with the town. I know from speaking to shopkeepers, traders and business-owners they can’t wait to welcome the public once again. So let’s all get out there and support our local businesses.”

Sally Coultman, from Universal Geek in The Shambles, Malton, said: “There is a lot of relief to be back and mixing with the customers we have missed so much and Jet the dog is happy to be back as he is our mascot.”

Matthew Gardner, who runs the Kings Head Hotel in Kirkbymoorside, with Emily Berry, said opening hours would depend on booking numbers and the weather.

“The bar is set up again and it’s nice to see the pumps in use again and seeing the lads have a drink and chat outside. We’ve taken the decision to not serve food until we can have customers all back in the building on May 17 - fingers crossed.”

Lynn Hempsall, treasurer of Helmsley in Business and owner of Helmsley Traditional Sweets said: “We’re delighted to now be able to reopen. Obviously the last year has been very difficult for independent businesses and although we’ve tried where possible to adapt to life solely online, it’s not the same as being able to see people face to face.”

Lynn added: “It feels like the heart of Helmsley is beating again as we welcome back the local community and visitors and see our neighbouring businesses back to work.

“Hopefully everyone will be sensible and continue to stick to the rules and then fingers crossed this is the first step back to normality and the last time our businesses have to close their doors.”

Tracey Ireland, from The Shearing Shed salon in Rillington, said: “It’s been hectic but good. It’s nice when we are a relatively new salon too.”

Ryedale District Council (RDC) is helping its businesses reopen safely with a range of measures put in place to reassure visitors and residents as they return to the market towns.

Hand sanitiser stations are in prominent places in the town centres and stencilling, marking out two-metre safe distances, is on pavements in busy areas.

Posters reminding people about the ‘hands, face and space’ guidelines have also been put up.

Officers have also produced a guide for businesses with key information about reopening safely, the support available, as well as environmental health and licensing advice.

Adrian Hamilton, town centre ambassador, can help businesses and residents safely navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic while Covid marshall Martyn Barker will be carrying out patrols, offering advice on Government guidance, helping with queues and social distancing and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

Both Adrian and Martyn can deliver copies of the booklet to interested businesses.

An online PDF version is available at www.ryedale.gov.uk/covid-19-2020/information-and-help-for-business

To help those businesses planning to reopen officers have created a summary of advice that business owners will need to be aware of. This can be viewed at www.ryedale.gov.uk/covid-19-2020/information-and-help-for-business

Phillip Spurr, programme director for Economic Development, Business and Partnerships, said: “The Reopening High Street Safely funding has helped us to establish a safe trading environment for businesses and customers.”

He added: “The additional safety measures have been put in place to give people the confidence to shop locally and support local traders.”