PUBS and shops in Swindon have welcomed the news they will be allowed to reopen next week.

Prime minister Boris Johnson set out his post-lockdown plan yesterday and it will see a relaxation of the rules imposed on the hospitality and retail industries ahead of what is traditionally a busy time of the year.

Despite concerns from Adver readers about the prospect of tighter restrictions in January as a result, businesses would prefer to take the risk.

Ross Mulholland from Something Different Gifts said: "Nobody really knows what's going to happen. 

"You've got this juxtaposition with what the government are trying to achieve with their restrictions and what the people actually want. 

"They might lock us down again in January, which would be better for us in terms of business. 

"If we can all have our Christmas, there would be fewer complaints about being closed in January. 

"But no one knows what the government are going to announce next and no one knows how the general populous is going to react to it."

Danielle Lewis, manager at The Crown in Stratton, is expecting more bookings to come in once the new restrictions are announced.

She said: "Obviously with the rule of six it's a completely different ball game. 

"We've got a few bookings. Hopefully, if we stay in Tier 1, we'll get more bookings. 

"We've had lots of calls through lockdown with people asking about Christmas, people want to come out with their immediate families or a group of work colleagues. 

"So fingers crossed if everything stays as it was before we closed we'll get some more."

Jayne Tilsley, manager at The Runner pub on Wootton Bassett Road had a similar outlook. 

She said: "We're going to do a Christmas menu every day rather than people having to book a specific day. 

"You have to be a bit savvy and think ahead as to what you'll be offering. 

"We had some healthy bookings in November but sadly they didn't go ahead. So I'm sure people are waiting for the outcome before making anymore. 

"January is a quiet time in the hospitality trade anyway, everyone's recharging their batteries and people don't have any money. 

"So, for us, that wouldn't be quite as worrying as December. Our focus has to be on December."