‘Ghost town’ measures are

EK businesses tell us of

NICOLA FINDLAY

Businesses in East Kilbride are among those forced to shut their doors amid the coronavirus crisis.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister Boris Johnson told pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes they had to close on Friday night in a desperate bid to slow down the spread of COVID-19.

That was hammered home by their announcements on Monday, placing the country in a near lockdown.

Businesses described the Village as “a ghost town” with the government now insisting all non-essential retailers close. Traders in the Village spoke to the News of their fears for the future.

Andrew Craig, who owns The

Montgomerie Arms, told the News the pub hadn’t shut its doors in the three generations it has been owned by his family.

“This is unprecedented – the Monty has never shut its doors, not even for my mum’s funeral.

“We have been following the government’s advice and our main priority has been the safety of our staff and customers.

“We are in a slightly more fortunate position that we own the whole kit and kaboodle and I don’t want to go down the road of laying off staff. Businesses still need to be here to employ people once this is all over.”

But Louise Wright from the Loupin Stane Cafe said: “I have been here 17 years and my staff have been with me a long time.

“We had been taking it one day at a time and we simply don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”

The Village Inn also closed following the order from government.

Prior to the lockdown, landlord Paul Jardine said the uncertainty was one of the biggest problems.

“It’s been worrying for both myself and staff – someone needed to take responsibility and that should be the government.

“My main concern is my staff and that they are okay financially. Having to close is very sad, but its for the greater good.”

Susanne Neilly from Artisan Buon