Keswick town centre has been largely deserted since 23rd March – but shoppers have this week finally started returning after non-essential stores were able to re-open their doors on Monday.
It might not have been a stampede like in major cities but the slow, steady trickle of customers was extremely welcome for local businesses that have not taken a penny over their counters for 12 weeks through no fault of their own.
The Boot Company, in Station Street, was trading again at the earliest opportunity but as the shop is small it can only let in one customer at a time. Kerry Charlton, who runs it with her husband Alex, said: “We have had a few customers but we wanted to be open for the first day to get the message out that Keswick is open for business. We will play it by ear but for the time being will probably open regularly midweek through to the weekend when we hope it will be busier.”
Amy Robinson normally works as a waitress in the restaurant at Bryson’s of Keswick but was behind the counter when it re-opened purely as a shop. She said: “It is good to get back to work and some sort of normality.”
Post-lockdown changes have seen safety measures installed at all retail premises, with a variety of hand sanitisers, masks and gloves provided along with signs to highlight social distancing. Outside, Allerdale Borough Council has stencilled symbols on pavements to remind people to keep two metres apart or to follow new one-way paths.
The Alternative shop in Station Street, which is run by Tony and Elaine Bell, re-opened at 10am on Monday. Tony said: “Everybody has been good natured about social distancing.”
Mark Stainton, of Keswick Collectibles in St John’s Street, said the shop was also open for business. “We have had around eight people through the door but six of them have bought so it has been worthwhile,” he said on his first day back in business.
Keswick also welcomed back its first post-lockdown busker on Monday. Accordionist Rob Helps said: “This is my first time in Keswick since March 23 and I am delighted to be here.”
