BUSINESS owners have welcomed the announcement of 'roadmap' out of the coronavirus lockdown.

On Monday the Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out his four-stage plan to ease England's coronavirus restrictions, starting on March 8 with children going back to school.

On April 12,at the earliest, it is hoped non-essential retail, personal care premises, such as hairdressers and nail salons, will be permitted to reopen.Restaurants and pubs will be able to serve customers outside, where the rule of six or two households will apply.

In step three, which will be no earlier than May 17, the Government will further ease limits on social contact with indoor hospitality set to open. The last step will be no earlier than June 21 when it is hoped that all legal limits on social contact will be removed.

Richard Johns, owner of The Hovingham Inn, said: " It is very positive we now have conclusive dates with regards to exiting the latest lock down.

"The census within the industry pointed at the same general timescale as announced by government yesterday. Without doubt the road ahead is going to be difficult for many within the industry. "

Richard added: "The next step for industry survival is appropriate financial support. We need the opportunity to get back on our feet. None in business chose to close under their own volition. As such no business can carry on paying full overhead costs towards non trading businesses."

He said: "There is now so much debt being racked up by operators simply to stay afloat. Many creditors have not taken any responsibility whatsoever..

"Government now need to take positive action on extending current schemes such as furlough. The hospitality industry has been fantastic in its response to this very damaging virus. We have all done our bit and now need that vital assistance to aid reopening for the third time."

Liz Kemps,from Kemps General Store & Bookshop, in Malton, said: "Clearly missing our opportunity to trade normally over Easter and Mother's Day is another disappointment but we welcome having a date, albeit only the earliest possible, to work towards.

"t's excellent news and enables us to plan our stock and reopening.Whilst the waiting is tough and frustrating it's so important that this is the last lock down. We don't want another stop start situation.

Liz said:"We are excited at the prospect of opening our doors again even though our local customer support throughout the lock-downs has been wonderful.

"We want to look forward to a good run at seeing and serving our customers again face to face through the summer and into the Golden Quarter at the end of the year."

Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, said: "I am delighted that the PM has set out a clear roadmap as to how we come out of lockdown. It’s subject to a series of tests and stages to ensure that this winter lockdown is the last. If all goes according to plan we can look forward to a near normal summer from June 21 . The four steps to freedom will be driven by data and I would hope that we could take the brakes off more quickly if necessary."