Delight for town recovery

Wetherby’s mayor says he is delighted for the town’s businesses and their staff as the country moved into the next stage of easing out of Coronavirus lockdown.
The new mayor of Wetherby Neil O'ByrneThe new mayor of Wetherby Neil O'Byrne
The new mayor of Wetherby Neil O'Byrne

Monday May 17 signalled Phase 3 of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

With venues like pubs, restaurants and theatres re-opening inside, people can now socialise with up to six people, or two households.

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Up to 30 people are able to meet outside and all holiday accommodation can now open, to be used for groups of up to six or two households.

The Mayor of Wetherby Coun Neil O’Byrne, said: “It was a pleasure to walk around Wetherby town centre on Monday and see so many happy, smiling faces, shopkeepers and customers alike, as folk had their first drink or meal inside our cafes and restaurants; while others still enjoyed theirs outside.”

But the North Ward Town Councillor added: “Caution was still the byword as many kept their masks in place, being courteous letting others pass and respecting other people’s space as we have during lockdown.

“I am delighted for the businesses and their staff as we continue to move forward.”

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Wetherby’s popular cinema, on Caxton Street, opened its doors for the first time in months.

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response since announcing our reopening,” said a spokesman. “People are more than ready to get out of the house.

“We still have social distancing measures implemented into our seating plan and booking system which reduces our overall capacity. for the safety and well-being of our customers and staff.”

The cinema has planned its return in line with film releases — Leading with Oscar knockout Nomadland, the critically acclaimed Ammonite, family adventure Peter Rabbit 2 and Disney’s Cruella.

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Manager Tom added: “Everyone here at Wetherby Cinema is looking forward to welcoming the community back through our doors.

“We have been working very hard over the past few months to plan our opening, to ensure it is a safe environment for all our loyal customers and staff.

“We have some great films and event theatre shows lined up for you so we hope to come back with a bang.

“We cannot wait to re-open and bring the movie magic back to our town.”

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Tadcaster Community Sports Trust said it had invested in an outdoors area to help bring customers in before Monday’s relaxations.

“Many thanks to everyone who supported us over the past five weeks, enduring some rather inclement weather. “Our investment in the beer garden has given us a super child friendly, dog friendly, football watching area that all of our customers can enjoy, especially when the sun does decide to shine.”

They added of Phase 3: “Monday marked the next stage in returning to life as we knew it, although we all need to proceed with a little caution.

“There are some important rules that we need to follow as we move inside.”

They added that these included a fixed entrance, checking in using the NHS app on a smart phone and groups of no more than six people allowed at seating.