THERE has been a mixed reaction to trading post lockdown from business owners in Malvern.

Lockdown restrictions were lifted a week ago, with a steady footfall being recorded in and around the town. Cllr Sarah Rouse, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, welcomed the return of shoppers, but urged caution to avoid another rise in Covid cases.

Anna Taylor, who runs Elmslie House in Avenue Road, said the first week back had been “frustrating” with uncertainty over whether the venue could continue offering classes.

She said: “Although we understood we could re-open as a venue - it took several days to establish with regulatory bodies whether or not classes such as yoga could actually go ahead under tier two regulations and we had to wait for that information to become available after seeking further clarification.

“The wording on the government website was convoluted to say the least and it’s hard to follow protocol and best practice when there isn’t a definite source to advise what it is.

“After months of uncertainty we are making the most of being able to plan to deliver smaller scale events in line with tier two regulations - but in the knowledge that this window may not be open indefinitely.

“The New Year will undoubtedly bring with it New challenges so we are making the most of this pre-Christmas opportunity.”

Kathy Leather, who runs Copper Beech House, said recovery from the second lockdown has been harder than the recovery from the first one was, with less of an appetite for travel.

She said: “We found that there seems to be little appetite for travel and the subsequent tier restrictions mean that people are rightly uncertain and not confident of where they can or cannot go.

“We hope that the amazing news of the vaccine roll out with give us a life line to recovery as a business in the New Year as this will install essential confidence back into society.”

When the restrictions were lifted, “non-essential” businesses including retailers, restaurants and gyms were able to re-open, providing a much-needed boost in the run up to Christmas.

Matt Kingston, owner of the Clarence Park Health Suite gym, said it was great to see members returning.

He said: “Many of our Covid-19 procedures are now embedded within the club and all is running smoothly.

“Being a relatively small club with on-site Fitness Instructors, we can control measures extremely well. We continue to limit numbers in the gym to ensure members have a positive experience.

“I’ve certainly found that our members are taking more time to reflect on their own health and I’ve had lots of enquiries from people wanting to reduce their body fat and to become stronger.

“We haven’t seen all of our members return as some are still a little apprehensive, however we’re feeling positive and feel the usage will continue to rise into the New Year.”

Cllr Rouse said: “I attended the craft market on Saturday and was delighted to see how busy Great Malvern was and that people were following social distancing guidance.

“I spoke to local shopkeepers as I did a bit of Christmas shopping and they also reported they were doing good trade.

“Shopping local supports our economic recovery and helps to keep us all safe by avoiding travelling into an area where the virus may be spreading more rapidly.

“It’s vital we all carry on wearing our face masks, sanitising our hands and giving each other space so we can go on protecting each other while supporting local traders.”