Businesses in a Nottinghamshire city are enjoying the lockdown easing as visitor traffic returns to the area.
Bingham was packed with shoppers on market day as people rummaged through the stalls and enjoyed lunch in sunny weather.
Three local businesses in the city told Nottinghamshire Live how the community supported them during a difficult year.
Charlotte Meyler, 43, of the florist Zinnia, said: “We were very lucky with the lockdown because we could still make deliveries.
“We initially had to close for a few months, but we’ve been busy ever since.
“Although we lost weddings and gift sales, we had days like Mother’s Day when we stopped taking orders because the demand was so high.
“But it’s so nice to have reopened and to have people in the store to browse through. Customer footfall is a big part of the business.
“In a way, the pandemic has helped local businesses a lot, and I hope it stays that way. There was a lot of community spirit that was positive. “
Andy Hawkins of Raw Fruits and Vegetables
(Image: Anna Whittaker)
Andy Hawkins of Raw Fruit and Veg in Bingham said the year was “manic” for his company, which has been in the area for 13 years.
He said, “There are more and more people shopping locally, which is always a good thing. We also offer local products like our asparagus, which comes less than a mile away.
“We went from ten deliveries a week to 160 to 200 a day. The phone never stopped.
“It’s gone now, but these people are coming into the store. We have the traffic light system that makes people feel safe instead of going to the big supermarkets.
“Most of the small businesses have done very well and in Bingham we worked together.”
Anna Ryan, Sales Assistant at Bingham Pet Care, said, “We’re busier than ever, business is doing well.
“At first, people stayed there because they weren’t allowed out. Now people want to support companies, which is good.
“We stayed open throughout the pandemic. It was a worry that customers wouldn’t come anymore, but they did.
“Lots of people have had puppies too. We’re really busy all week.”