Why it's important to support Worksop shops, pubs, salons and cafes when they reopen on Monday

As the months passed by, we have all had to learn to adapt to new ways of living and businesses have had to reinvent themselves in order to survive.

One thing that has come out of this crisis is that right from the beginning we have seen great community spirit.

Local businesses stepped up to the plate by responding to a call out from the North Notts BID to provide materials to local schools that were making masks and visors for the hospital and local care homes.

The BID joined forces with Wilko and Morrisons to facilitate the provision of essential items to BCVS for distribution to the elderly and vulnerable. We also collected and delivered supplies to animal rescue centres and Easter eggs to schools for the children of key workers.

We supported with reopening the high streets safely, overseeing safety measures and offering business support and guidance to town centre businesses.

We introduced a new digital training platform offering free, online certificated courses to upskill staff, and our maintenance operative has been busy helping BID members prepare for reopening with odd jobs including weeding, painting shop fronts, jet washing beer gardens and outside areas.

Throughout the last year businesses such as supermarkets and courier services have flourished. However, the majority have suffered - in particular hospitality and non-essential retail.

Government support has helped to some extent, but with restrictions starting to lift on April 12 it is now more important than ever that we support our local businesses.

Local businesses have implemented a range of measures to ensure people are safe while they shop, including customer limits inside the store, plastic partitions at tills and hand sanitizing stations.

For peace of mind a quick visit to www.worksop.geo-sense.co.uk provides real-time information on how busy the town is so people can plan their trips safely.

Shopping locally helps support the economy, saves/creates jobs and boosts local communities. From corner shops and florists, to newsagents, cafes and pubs, our high streets are at the heart of our community and we can all do our bit by supporting these businesses.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Sam Jackson, editor.