AS the UK marks a year since the first lockdown came into force, the owners of Swindon's pubs, shops and salons are looking forward to returning to some sort of normality.

With the coronavirus vaccine rollout ramping up and more than half of the country’s population having had their first of two jabs, landlords, shop managers and hairdressers around the town are keeping their fingers crossed that it will be third time lucky and that this really will be last time they are asked to close their doors.

Hairdressers, non-essential retailers and pub beer gardens will be able to welcome back customers in three weeks’ time – on April 12 – and begin to recover from a devastating financial blow.

Tom Hardy of T H Barbering inside the Stratton salon La Beaute is already taking bookings and has seen almost 150 people snap up a timeslot for his first week back behind the chair.

He said: “I haven’t done a day’s work since Christmas Eve, only cutting my hair and my girlfriend’s hair, so I can’t wait, I’m counting down the days.

“I’m going to be rushed off my feet and am working extra days to fit everyone in. My customers have been frustrated during lockdown, but not as much as me.

“It seemed like during the first one, everyone did their bit and understood why it was happening and were fearful of the virus, but this time it’s a mockery, the roads are busy and the rules allow you to get a McDonald’s but not a haircut.

“I and other hairdressers I know have spent hundreds of pounds on PPE but were apparently not safe enough to open, it was irritating for all of us.”

As for whether the government’s roadmap will work, Mr Hardy wants to stay positive but the experience of the last year has left him sceptical.

He added: “I take everything the government says with a pinch of salt and I’ve got low expectations.

“I saw the third lockdown coming so I saved up every penny I earned and could relax a little while living with my girlfriend without having to pay rent as long as I got the food in and kept the place clean.

“I hope this is the last lockdown but I worry that, after life returns to normal in the summer, people will go crazy and we’ll be back in lockdown in August.

“Though the vaccine is doing well – I’m getting mine soon – so that’s good.”
Rat Trap landlord Marc Richardson is hard at work finishing off renovations to the pub’s outdoor area, including a raised fence, new path and repainted tables.

He said: “It’s going to be more pleasant to look at and more comfortable. I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone back again.

“Three-quarters of our trade is repeat business and the regulars are keen to return, though I’ve no idea how long it will take to recoup what we’ve lost.

“It’s been a difficult year, we’ve thrown so much stock away, but we’ve got through it and are planning for the future. I’ve been working since I was 14 and one tough year out of 46 isn’t too bad

“The next few months are going to be uncharted territory and we’re not sure how the full reopening in May is going to go, what rules will change.

“But April marks my 20th year at the Rat Trap, I’m excited to reopen and the staff are buzzing, it’s time to rejoice.”

New Calley Arms landlord Jon Beeden usually hosts a beer festival in its garden each summer which had to be cancelled last year because of Covid restrictions but may be back this October.

Jon’s colleagues, family and friends are helping to get the Wanborough pub ready and clearing space to double the amount of tables that can be set up outside.

During this latest lockdown, he took on a job with Age UK delivering meals on wheels to vulnerable and elderly clients so that he could continue earning while helping the needy.

He said: “The road map announcement was the light at the end of the tunnel after a rollercoaster of a year.

“Financially, it’s been dreadful for us and a lot of other small businesses, and it was soul-destroying to keep having things delayed or suddenly changed.

“We enjoyed the first lockdown as it gave us a break and a chance to tidy things up but the second and third were tough.

“I hope this is the last one because we can’t hold on for much longer but I can see it getting pushed back again. The village pubs are a great place for the community to socialise but they will need a lot of support.”

At the end of each lockdown, the town centre has filled up with eager shoppers and is expected to do so again very soon.

Andy Knight manages The Forum in the Brunel Shopping Centre and has rallied support for other small independent businesses with an online campaign

He said: “I’m so proud of that project because it resonated with people and got 50,000 views. Its message is still important now. People want to make that extra effort to shop local because you get more out of it. Being indie is what we do, it’s what keeps us alive.

“We’ve had to completely change the way we do things to stay on people’s radars. The online shop was fast-tracked and it’s massively taken off, though our sales are obviously not where they should be, and we did vlogs so that people knew what we were doing.

“It’s been a crazy year. People will never take things like going to the shops or a restaurant for granted ever again, they will have a new love of life. I can’t wait to see everyone again.”