BUSINESSES are happy to have some form of 'certainty' going forward, but concerns have been raised on how they will be supported, with many still having to wait months before reopening.

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the government's planned 'road map' away from coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The four-part plan has an emphasis on data over dates - with the potential for all restrictions to be lifted by June 21. Each step of the plan will depend on the success of the vaccine rollout, the number of hospital admissions and deaths falling, the amount of pressure on the NHS and the impact of any new variants.

Under the plans, all schools will return on March 8, while care home residents will be allowed to nominate one loved one for face-to-face visits.

A further easing of restrictions will take place on March 29 with larger groups of up to six people or two households will being allowed to gather in parks and private gardens. Outdoor sports facilities would also be permitted to reopen.

On April 12, non-essential retail, as well as hairdressers, beauty salons, libraries and gyms can reopen, while pubs and restaurants will be permitted to reopen outdoors without curfews - although the rule of six will still be in place.

On May 17, the rule of six will be dropped, most outdoor restrictions will be lifted and pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, sport stadiums and other venues will be able to reopen indoors.

The final stage of the roadmap takes place on June 21 when all legal limits on social contact will be removed, restrictions on large scale events will be lifted, and remaining hospitality venues - such as nightclubs - can reopen.

Sally Ann Palmer, who owns Cilla and Camilla on East Street, Bridport alongside partner Richard, said: "We are really pleased that it looks like we'll be able to reopen on April 12 - all being well.

"We are really looking forward to seeing all our staff and customers again. It is a shame we will miss Easter for the second year in a row but, we completely understand the need for relaxing regulations and opening things up slowly and carefully.

"We are hopeful that our business will bounce back again, as it has done after the previous two lockdowns, and that we will have a really good summer with both locals and visitors."

Nick Bell, owner of New Body Fitness Bridport, questioned why gyms and fitness centres are unable to open earlier – citing their numerous health and wellbeing benefits.

He said: “In terms of safety, it is one of the safest places to go to. I think we are ready for reopening but we’re on pause.

“We are also aware of the risks everyone went to and the highest amount of effort to make their facilities are safe. They are likely the safest they can be.”

Many pubs and restaurants have also been put in a difficult position, as many will be forced to remain closed during April due to their lack of outdoor space - leading to them being unable to reopen until May.

Claire Moore, co-owner of the Station Kitchen in West Bay, said: "We are certainly pleased to see a road map and dates for us to work towards reopening.

"Opening hospitality venues outside only, however, is a gamble for many businesses - they are up against the weather, limited seating and they need to consider whether the number of people dining covers the staffing and outlay. There is also the issue of food wastage if the weather does turn, meaning more of a financial loss.

"For us, it would not be viable to open the restaurant with a small number of outdoor dining bookings and the problem with the unpredictability of the weather. We will, however, continue to keep our takeaway service, the Ticket Office, open throughout Easter.

"As a special occasion restaurant, we will reopen The Station Kitchen when we are able to provide our guests with the service they are accustomed to when dining with us, and we hope this will be from May 17.

"I think for any restaurant or pub to reopen from April, they need to ensure it’s a financially viable move, for us it wouldn’t be."

Robert Mühl, president of the Bridport Business Chamber, said: "We are of course happy that the dates set out give us some certainty – although the summer feels a long way away.

"There are concerns that the government may think it’s all over now and that businesses will not need any further assistance. I am anxious to see what is in the budget as many businesses, even those that have received support are now running on empty.

"Chamber members are urging the government to continue support via business rates holidays, furlough and so on, as well as recognising the difficulties being faced by those who haven’t received any help.”