AFTER the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday detailing the reopening of leisure businesses, many local companies have been rejoicing at the news.

Lockdown resulted in the temporary and permanent closure of numerous businesses, with many fighting to stay alive.

The future seemed very uncertain for three months but following the Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement that lockdown is to be eased from July 4, many businesses have breathed a sigh of relief and begun preparing for the new normal.

Barrie France, owner of Troy's barbershop in Boscombe has been altering how the barbershop works throughout lockdown by implementing a variety of cleaning measures and a new online booking system.

He said: "We're ready to go back, it's a good thing. We're not relaxing any measures, the shop will have two metre spacing as we know people will still be nervous. Clients will be provided with a face mask and we can provide disposable gowns or they can bring their own as it's got to be safe."

In a similar position is owner of Twilo Hairdressing in Westbourne, Diane Wilcox who has been monitoring the situation while renovating the salon.

Diane explained: "We're totally over the moon and ready for 'Hairdependence Day'. We would love to thank our clients for their patience, especially as the pathway has been unclear. We have already started booking clients and our top stylists are already booked until September. Recently, we've had nearly 60 phone calls a day!

"We have spaced out our styling banks and there will be two metres between everyone. We have partitions between waiting chairs and the wash area. We are creating a sanitised environment that our clients will appreciate.

"It's better to be safe than sorry."

On the other side of the sector, pubs and cafes are also excited to be opening their doors to the public once more.

Despite being given the green light to reopen, The Four Horsemen Pub in Bournemouth is currently in the process of organising in preparation for the opening.

A spokesperson told the Daily Echo: "Nothing will been worked out or decided by 5pm today. It's going to take a few days to consider if and how we can reopen safely."

Updates will be posted on the pub's Facebook page in the coming days.

Entertainment services have also been given the go ahead to open, with cinemas, libraries, art galleries and museums included on the list.

General Manager of The Regent Centre, Christchurch, Matthew Vass-White said: "We are in the middle of a refurbishment at the moment so will be re-opening in September at the very earliest with our current on sale period. We are following the governments Covid-19 secure guidelines and will continue to take advice from the cinema and theatre industry on the best ways to innovate so we can make a visit to the Regent Centre as safe as possible, whilst keeping the experience warm and friendly.

"We’ve been planning for reopening since the start (of lockdown) but given that the situation and legislation is constantly evolving, we’ll be talking to our customers about any adjustments to their visit when we have the most complete set of information for them. We can’t wait to welcome everybody back. We’re sure it’ll be a different experience for a little while but we hope the long lasting improvements we’ve made whilst we’ve been closed including new seating, carpeting and paintwork will be appreciated."

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling also expressed his happiness at the announcement.

He said: “This is tremendous news, it means more businesses in Dorset can start getting back to work although we are still a long way from business as usual. Social distancing is still incredibly important and businesses will be required to put precautions in place for the safety of customers and their own staff.

"The easing of the lockdown is very welcome but broader efforts to boost business and consumer confidence will still be needed to help firms trade their way out of this crisis.

"We will continue to do our best to support businesses in Dorset as we look forward to recovery."