Burnley landlady hails 'roadmap boost' as she looks forward to a return to normality

Laura, who runs the Hare and Hounds in Haggate, said it had been tough not seeing her customers for so long, but Monday's announcement finally gave her cause for optimism.

The Prime Minister has said that drinking establishments will only be allowed to re-open on April 12th at the earliest - but only for service outdoors.

It will be at least five weeks after that, from May 17th, that customers will be allowed back indoors, and only if the Covid situation allows it.

"The announcement felt like we were finally able to look forwards to a return to normality even if it is still a few months away, but being given dates to aim for is really a boost in these uncertain times," said Laura.

"Lockdown as a landlord/lady is tough, missing your customers and having a usually busy pub sitting empty is heartbreaking knowing people are missing out on the social side and that for some it was the only time they saw other people etc.

"All things going to plan we are hoping to open our beer garden on April 12th. We are lucky we have a large outdoor area and feel extremely sorry for pubs without outdoor space as they may not be able to open financially viably until indoor hospitality is reopened.

"We hope numbers continue to fall so that the dates set out can be met for the sake of our industries survival, our staff need to get back to work and our communities need to be able to socialise again."