The easing of lockdown on April 12 in Hastings Old Town. SUS-211204-151222001The easing of lockdown on April 12 in Hastings Old Town. SUS-211204-151222001
The easing of lockdown on April 12 in Hastings Old Town. SUS-211204-151222001

Hastings has ‘really come alive’ since lockdown restrictions eased: in pictures

The people of Hastings have been encouraged to continue shopping locally after a successful first couple of weeks since lockdown restrictions eased.

Last Monday marked the beginning of stage two of the roadmap out of lockdown which saw shops, hairdressers and the pier reopen and also allowed pubs, restaurants and bars to serve customers outdoors, and saw gyms reopen.

Businesses that were allowed to reopen were busy, with queues outside a number of shops, while the seafront car parks were completely full over the weekend.

John Bownas, the manager of the Hastings Business Improvement District, said: “This last week has been a positive one and it really does feel like we are taking the first steps along the road to recovery. But there’s still a long way to go, and everyone has a part to play in keeping us on track to avoid a third wave of infections and get back to a world like the one we all enjoyed pre-Covid-19. Get out to your local high street, enjoy a drink or a meal outdoors – but stay cautious, follow the rules, and make sure you are a part of the solution.”

Kevin Boorman, marketing and major projects manager at Hastings Borough Council, added: “It was great to see Hastings really come alive over the past few days, with the seafront car parks full last weekend, although there was still space in the underground and town centre car parks for those who knew where to look. There was a real buzz around the town, which I’m sure all of the businesses which were able to open really benefitted from.

“I hope that local residents and visitors continue to stick to the Covid guidelines, and, if the figures remain low, we can then look forward to the reopening of hotels and guest houses, indoor attractions, and indoor hospitality, from the middle of May.”