Boris Johnson announcement: Chichester businesses speak about plan for lifting lockdown

Boris Johnson outlined a 'roadmap' for exiting lockdown today (Monday, February 22) which consisted of four stages with five key dates of when measures can be lifted at the earliest.

Boris Johnson announces roadmap out of lockdown - here’s what he saidRetailers will be able to reopen from April 12 at the earliest.

Dave Hockridge, owner of Present Surprise in South Street said: "It's good for businesses and good that they finally have a chance to reopen as long as the numbers stay down before the shops reopen.

"If not, then the reopening should be put back further if the numbers call for it.

"We are excited for it. By the time we reopen we would have missed Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Easter - our three biggest dates behind Christmas.

"We have decorated and had a new floor put down so the shop is spick-and-span as soon as it reopens.

"Hopefully people will return to the high streets and appreciated how cheap the shops are in comparison to the internet."

Pubs, bars and restaurants could open on June 21 at the earliest, according to Mr Johnson's roadmap.

Emily Rudd, manager of The Park Tavern in Priory Road, said she was 'hugely' looking forward to being able to reopen.

"I want to get back to earning and seeing our customers and it has been sad with the pub just sat there empty. The longer it is, the harder it's going to be with restrictions, hopefully there aren't as many as before - we were really struggling.

"I am really looking forwards to a pub quiz and customers being able to meet at the pub and socialise again."

Emily added that, when the rules allow it, she hopes to be able to bring live music to the pub: "If we can't have live music we can't have a party!"

Personal care services are set to open from April 12.

Aimee Luckham, owner of tattoo studio The Electric Lady in The Hornet, said: "We heard the announcement today but it is as confusing as all the others have been. It's never clear but you get used to it."

As previous lockdowns have been eased, The Electric Lady has been told it can open alongside gyms and indoor leisure rather than salons and barbers so Aimee and the team will decide on an opening date once they more information, she said.

"I'm looking forward [to reopening]. It has been difficult. I love tattooing so much it has really made me miss it so I am super stoked to be able to do it again."

Find out more about The Electric Lady here.