Hartlepool pubs, restaurants and hairdressers react to news of second lockdown

All pubs, restaurants, gyms hairdressers and shops selling non-essential goods will close from Thursday, November 5, until Wednesday, December 2 at the earliest.

Businesses affected in Hartlepool say the lockdown was inevitable given the continued growth in coronavirus cases and related deaths.

Scott Weir, of Tees Inns which owns four pubs in the North East including King Johns Tavern in Hartlepool town centre, said: “It hasn’t come as a surprise.

"Unfortunately it’s something that’s probably needed. The good news is they have extended the furlough scheme at 80% of wages so that’s a real positive from a staff perspective.

"It makes life easier for us in that we can hang on to everybody.”

But despite the nationwide lockdown only set to last for four weeks, Scott is concerned he may not be able to reopen until early next year.

"My big fear is we will probably go from lockdown into Tier 3 which makes it very difficult to trade,” he said.

"When we get the opportunity to reopen we will. It needs everyone to follow the guidelines.”

Darab Rezai, chairman of Hartlepool Licensing Association, which represents town bars and restaurants, said small businesses are paying the price of failures in other sectors such as universities.

He said: “In hospitality it takes a long time to create a customer base. When you keep closing and opening, once you lose that, it will be very hard to get back.

"The Government are saying the lockdown will be a month however it might be longer. It will depend on every one of us how we behave to get rid of the virus.”

Staff from Poppys Hairdressing, in Victoria Road, spent Sunday rearranging appointments clients had made in the next four weeks.

Owner Janice Auton said: “I think it’s the right thing to have this stoppage because ultimately our health is key.

"After the last lockdown we understand the challenges. We know people around us that have had the virus.

"My team have been absolutely amazing in their attitude. Putting the furlough scheme back in secures my team so I’m thankful.”

She also urged people to support local independent businesses adding: “While we’re open help us and we will still be here.”

Xercise4Less in Hartlepool town centre will temporarily close for the lockdown at 10pm on Wednesday, November 4.

The chain announced it will automatically freeze all memberships and not take any payments during the closure.

It says it hopes to be allowed to reopen on December 2.

Hartlepool MP Mike Hill was critical of Prime Minister Boris Johnson after Labour leader Keir Starmer previously called for a national ‘circuit breaker’ to control the virus.

Mr Hill said: “This Prime Minister is all dither and delay. His delays will cost lives and cost jobs. This was avoidable and the blame lies squarely on his shoulders.

“He needs to present us with a credible exit strategy from lockdown this time around. He needs to show that he will support businesses and communities in towns like Hartlepool.

“I will be asking all this of him this week in Parliament. Let’s hope for all our sakes that he can answer.”

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