HOSPITALITY business owners in Malvern have spoken of the impact of the second lockdown, with one saying “we are falling off the edge of a cliff”.

From Thursday, businesses deemed “non-essential” have had to close, with residents told to stay indoors except for food shopping, work which cannot be done at home or medical reasons.

Kathy Leather, who runs the Copperbeech House guest house in Avenue Road, Malvern, said many hospitality businesses had been left close to collapse due to the loss of trade.

She said: “This had been such a difficult time for the hospitality industry. In Malvern our foreign visitors stopped visiting our private schools and colleges in January.

“Lots of the leisure industry events were cancelled, really affecting hotels and B&Bs.

“Lockdown happened in March and most of us are still arguing regarding interruption of business insurance.

“The country re-opened and we had a few visitors but nothing like normal trade.

“I feel worried and concerned how we can survive without some government support.

“B&Bs play a vital part in our community. They give a lifeline to people on their own having a break. They also help support local shops, bars and restaurants.

“I do feel we need to go into lockdown, but we need to be strong as a country and put these measures in place for the right reasons. We can’t do this half-heartedly.

“Health has to be more important than wealth, but that is easier said than done as we feel like we are falling off the edge of a cliff at the moment.”

AJ Bains, general manager of the Mount Pleasant Hotel, said plans for events and offers had to be shelved, but he remains optimistic for the future.

He said: “As a local hospitality business, we felt the effects of the first lockdown keenly. Once we opened on July 4, we followed the Covid security protocol diligently and our guests felt safe in our premises.

“Although we could not offer many services anymore like holding weddings or conferences in our venue, or more recently have gatherings of more than six people, we adapted well.

“We started Sunday roasts at the restaurant instead of our usual popular carvery. Since we have the license to hold civil ceremonies at the hotel, we promoted that instead of wedding receptions.

“Now that we are in lockdown we have lost business, for the month of November with room bookings cancelled as well as a civil wedding at the end of the month.

“We had planned a tasting-menu night as well as a few food promotional offers at our restaurant Mulberry Tree for the month of November. Those have been cancelled.

“We are hopeful and positive. We look forward to welcoming our guests and local patrons back during the festive month of December.

“All our festive menus and Christmas Day bookings will now be online as during the month of November our phone lines will not be operational.

“We thank our guests and the local Malvern community for their continued support, loyalty and for all the encouragement they have given to my team and myself during this pandemic.”

This week it was announced the government is extending its emergency business loan scheme and will allow firms to “top up” their borrowing as part of new rules meant to keep businesses afloat during England’s second lockdown. UK firms now have until the end of January to apply for emergency business loans.

Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, Cllr Sarah Rouse, urged the public to channel the community spirit shown during the first lockdown this year.

She said: “Nobody wanted a second lockdown but it is necessary to bring infection rates down, protect our NHS and save lives.

“The district showed amazing community spirit earlier this year to come through the first lockdown, and I know people will rally together again to support each other.

“We are doing all we can to support businesses and residents during this challenging period.

“It’s really important we all do everything we can to protect ourselves, our loved ones and each other, by following the new rules and helping us get back on top of this virus.”

Cllr Rouse’s words were echoed by county health boss Dr Kathryn Cobain, who also called on residents to take the necessary steps to keep people safe from coronavirus.

She said: “All of us can help to prevent further spread of the virus by following the rules. Cut down the number of contacts that you have with people, keep your distance from others and remember to wash your hands and wear face coverings.

“If you follow the rules you will help to keep yourself safe and you will help to protect your loved ones. All our actions have an impact on others and we all need to act together now.”

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin voted in favour of the second lockdown, saying: “Local people have made huge sacrifices to help slow the spread of this virus and although there is currently low prevalence of positive cases in West Worcestershire this number shows signs of rising.

“The Prime Minister has taken the decision to introduce wider restrictions, but I am eager to make sure that this will only last until December 2 and that the schools and universities will be able to stay open.

“I’ve had a wide range of people contacting me about their individual concerns and I have shared many views with Government Ministers.

“Parliament will get the opportunity to debate this matter at length over and given that the restrictions are time-limited and there is financial support for my constituents, I am able to support the Government measures.”