BRIDPORT businesses have spoken of their 'disappointment' with the delay of 'Freedom Day'.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the plan to lift all Covid restrictions on June 21 will be pushed back until July 19.

The announcement means a number of restrictions will remain in place including capacity limits for sports, pubs and cinemas, along with social distancing measures and masks - in a devastating blow to some businesses.

Latest figures show that the Dorset's Council area currently has 87 cases of Covid-19, with a rolling rate of 23 cases per 100,000 people - well below the national average. Both North and South Bridport currently have less than three cases each.

The MP for West Dorset, Chris Loder, said he won't be voting in support of the extension in a Parliamentary vote.

Mr Loder said: "Without some significant evidence to support the extension of lockdown restrictions, it is not in Dorset’s interests to continue these restrictions any further.

"We are going to have to live with this virus. We cannot go on penalising sensible and responsible people here in Dorset, especially those who are older and vaccinated and when the case rate is only 3.6 cases per hundred thousand in the over 60s.

"As of last week, throughout Dorset, we have just one person who is poorly in hospital with Covid. It has almost been two months since anyone has died from Covid in Dorset."

The Ropemakers pub on West Street, known for its live music, has had to cancel a number of events planned for the first three weeks of July.

A spokesman for the Ropemakers said: "It is with deep regret that taking into account the latest moves by the Government, we are having to reduce some of our music events for the first three weeks of July.

"Obviously we don’t want to do this as we were looking forward to it too, but we don’t think that we would be responsible in our duty to our customers and staff to hold busy music nights during this time.

"We would rather be a safe and happy environment and because of this all Friday and Saturday performances have been postponed until after July 19.

The pub will still host Sunday performances and its jazz and open mic nights.

Simon Warry, landlord at the Crown Inn, said: "We're just carrying on as we were. We're already running live music events within the protocols that have been set and its all outside so it hasn't made a huge difference.

"I think people shouldn't over react, it's not the end of the world - what is 'normal' now anyway?"

He added: "We've been in this situation for 15 months already, the 'old normal' is gone and everyone has gotten used to it now. At least we're still able to open."

Alex Taylor, landlord at the Tiger Inn, said: "Obviously its a bit of a disappointment but if that's what the government say we have to do then that's what we have to do.

"Not everyone is vaccinated and not everyone has had their second jab so it gives them a bit more time.

"I can understand why it's difficult for a lot of businesses - but another four weeks shouldn't make too much difference to us."

Robert Mühl, president of the Bridport Business Chamber said: “The Chamber is extremely disappointed that the easing of lockdown restrictions has been pushed back until 19 July.

“While we understand the need for precautionary measures, we support the stance taken by Chris Loder that the sensible and responsible people in Dorset, where the Covid case rate is very low indeed, should not be penalised any longer.

“For many Bridport businesses and their families this means they continue to suffer the sometimes devastating effects of the lockdown restrictions and the longer it goes on, particularly during the main summer season, the harder it will be to recover. We need to move on.”

The Bridport Arts Centre will continue to host live events and exhibitions, operating within Covid safe protocols, which will allow for around half of its usual capacity.

Mick Smith, director at the Bridport Arts Centre said: "This does affect our potential ticket income but as an arts charity we appreciate the desire people have to get out and enjoy culture in Bridport, so would hope to recoup some of these losses through donations.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support, kindness and generosity people our audiences and supporters have displayed throughout the pandemic."

The Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis will carry on with its scheduled shows as organisers had already planned to operate with restrictions as a precaution.