Frustration for some bosses as they wait for green light

While many businesses are celebrating being able to fully reopen again from this week, others are still waiting and have spoken of their frustrations.

West Lothian’s soft play venues still can’t welcome families and Bathgate institution the Regal Reconnect Theatre doubts they will be able t o put on any shows again until the end of August or September.

On its Facebook page, Bathgate softplay centre The Hive said it hoped to be able to finally open on June 7.

It continued:“Our customers and children has suffered incomprehensibly with lack of play, interaction, socialising and letting off steam. Our children have been locked out of our centres with indoor play only being able to open in tier 1 whilst trampoline parks etc can open in tier 3.

“It’s a shame we have been unable to open at the same pace as the other UK nations.”

The Regal Theatre said despite changes to legislation, it still was not feasible for the venue to fully open. In a Facebook post, the theatre said:“I’m sorry to say as with the current guidelines the maximum capacity of the theatre would be around 24 people.

“Obviously this is not a realistic capacity for us or any small venue. Let’s hope things improve by the time we get to the end of the summer.

“As we have said before, our plan has been to open very late August or early September.”

The theatre did say it’s pleased to welcome back the Performance Academy and urged anyone who runs a class and needs a hall to get in touch, adding:“We may be closed for events but there’s a lot happening in the Reconnect Regal.

“The listed windows were carefully removed by SCENEgineering ltd to be taken away for restoration. Other work on the facade and interior will be happening as we move towards reopening.”