AFTER further easing of the lockdown restrictions by the Government, cafes, pubs, restaurants and social clubs in Crediton are welcoming customers back indoors, with safety precautions in place.

Many shops and businesses in the town continued through the pandemic, where allowed, and many adapted their services to continue to supply and support the community.

Customers can now enjoy food and drink indoors at their favourite places, which are able to welcome groups of up to six, or larger groups consisting of no more than two households.

Indoor hospitality, accommodation and entertainment such as cinemas and softplay centres such as Planet Play in Crediton are all able to reopen.

All accommodation providers including hotels and B & B’s such as Moto Velo in Crediton will be able to welcome visitors again.

Wedding venues will also be allowed to accommodate gatherings of up to 30 people.

This is the first time this year some Mid Devon businesses can reopen and welcome back their customers.

Adrian Welsh, Mid Devon District Council’s Strategic Manager, Growth, Economy and Delivery, stated: “We would like to give our businesses a warm welcome back and encourage residents to support our local businesses by shopping local and shopping safe in Mid Devon.

“Mid Devon businesses have worked really hard over the last year to adjust to the changing restrictions.

"This recent easing will be welcomed by our businesses and residents. Our hospitality sector will be fully operational with cafes, restaurants and pubs reopening from Monday.

“When coming into town, please remember to maintain social distancing, follow the one way systems (where they apply) and to wear a mask (if you’re not exempt).

"Remember to plan ahead and book your tables at our cafes, restaurants and pubs as you don’t want to miss out!”

Although visitors are returning to the town many are heeding The Prime Minister’s advice and are “exercising caution".

Many shops and businesses particularly around the bustling Town Square have continued to supply food and drink to customers outside, as well as providing a take-away or delivery service.

Dan Webb of Crediton Coffee Company said: It’s great to see shops and businesses open and its wonderful having support from all our customers. We look forward to seeing customers back inside although many people are still enjoying having their coffees outside under the umbrellas. We’ve been working tirelessly through lockdown keeping people supplied with coffees and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their support.”

The Three Little Pigs has also continued through the pandemic providing take away food and food deliveries such as their popular Sunday Lunches.

Proprietor Sandy Wonnacott said: “We are delighted to see everyone back and we are all trying to stay safe.”

On the High Street shops and businesses have also continued, where possible, providing a service to their customers including providing a click and collect service.

Bruce Evans of Grape & Grain and The Crediton Chamber of Commerce said: “It’s fantastic! I’ve been open all the way through and others can now open and compete with the supermarkets.

“It’s lovely to see people around.

“The best thing for me is there is no loss of shops. The shops that have become empty are being filled.

“Crediton has bucked the National trend with its resilience.”

Jim, Sue and the team at Four Seasons in Crediton worked tirelessly through the pandemic helping local people, particularly those shielding, by delivering fruit, vegetables and other goods from their shop, as well as collecting other items such as bread or prescriptions to deliver with their orders.

Jim said: “We’ve had more than 12 months of serving from the door and we can now let our customers in to the shop, two at a time, to select their own fruit and vegetables.

“We will still continue with some of the deliveries around Crediton and the local area.

“Customers can also continue to ring the shop with their order and we can get their fruit and veg boxes made up.

“Thank you to all the customers who have supported us.”

Local shopper Adele Cox told the Courier: “We are stuck to six people meeting indoors but we can meet more friends outdoors now.

“It has been very restrictive.

“I used to enjoy Sunday lunch with friends and I’ve missed going to the cafe but I won’t be going mad at the moment. I’ll be glad when we no longer need to socially distance or wear masks.”

The past year or so has been difficult for many people and businesses but the community in Crediton and the surrounding area has pulled together and has bucked the national trend with most shops and businesses surviving and new ones opening.

The hope is that customers will continue to support their local shops and businesses making it a thriving and bustling area once again.