Pubs get ready for reopening

Should the four tests set out by the Government continue to be met, residents could be back at pubs, albeit outside, by April too.

Joanne Wood, manager of the Wheelhouse Pub in Washington, said: “We’re planning on opening the beer garden on the 12th.I’mjusthappywehave a date to work toward and to get back to work. We just want to open and get trading again to get things back tothewaytheywere.Ithink people will still be wary of social distancing but we plan on making sure everything is as safe as possible.”

Lee Jobling, owner of The Victoria Inn, said: “It’ll be great to get open and get thingsgoingagain,ifit’ssafe to end social-distancing in June that would be even better. We’d love to open even sooner but we’ve got thisfarandwehavetomake sure it’s all done right.”