Celebrating the reopening of retail with Prudhoe business owners

Last week, as part of Step 3 of the roadmap for easing restrictions, shops and indoor hospitality businesses were able to reopen.

Local businesses have endured an extremely difficult year, whilst going above and beyond to support their communities. I spent time last week visiting businesses across the Hexham constituency in a reopening tour to find out how they are finding being open again.

One of the stops on my tour was Prudhoe, where, along with County Councillor for Prudhoe South Gordon Stewart, I stopped by businesses on Front Street to chat with business owners about what the relaxation of restrictions has meant for their business. It was great to speak with business owners, including at the Tyne Valley Appliance Centre and Prudhoe Vapes, who have worked so hard to keep their businesses going throughout the pandemic, and I was so pleased to hear that their first week of being open again has been such a success.

Local businesses are the backbone of our communities, and being able to visit these businesses in person again is so welcome. Please do remember to support our brilliant small businesses and shop local.